Ben Godfrey value increase at Everton emerges from Fulham draw as Leeds United chase last-gasp January move
Ben Godfrey’s value at Everton has now increased, just as Leeds United look to sign him, after his rare start in the goalless draw at Fulham, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The Merseyside outlet reported via their website on 31 January, after the 26-year-old played 90 minutes at Craven Cottage the night before amid a Toffees “injury crisis”, that his performance is likely to have reduced the chances of him leaving before the deadline.
It was only Godfrey’s fourth appearance all season for Sean Dyche, who would not be drawn on transfer talk after the game, leading to exit links during the January window.
The former Norwich City man has reportedly impressed his manager and teammates this term with his work behind the scenes despite barely featuring so far.
Elland Road boss Daniel Farke is believed to be chasing a reunion with Godfrey amid what has proven to be a slog of an attempt to land defensive reinforcements.
Timing
The game at Fulham was Godfrey’s first minutes of 2024 and only his second appearance since 2 September, a situation which had seemingly made him a viable option for Leeds United to make a late-window run at.
But as with hopes for numerous options at the likes of Tottenham, Burnley, Bournemouth and Liverpool the Whites now face potentially missing out on again.
It is presumably not impossible for Farke to still get his man before 11pm on 1 February since Godfrey played the full game at right-back and Everton did have Nathan Patterson on the bench, while Seamus Coleman is thought to be close to a being available [Premier Injuries].
Ashley Young would likely also get the nod at full-back for Dyche but was required further forward in West London.
He remains down the pecking order at his favoured centre-back position as well, and is not first-choice on the left, but the versatility that would make him so useful at Elland Road for the promotion push also works for the Everton boss.
If the chance to get more game time and play under Farke again is something that Godfrey especially wants then it could influence the decision at Goodison Park, but while a deal was thought to be close it may now take more to get it over the line if so.
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