Ben Godfrey has no recent regrets and hopes for a smoother time with Rangers
Ben Godfrey believes he will bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the Rangers defence following a “turbulent” couple of years since he left Everton for Atalanta.
The 28-year-old – capped twice by England in 2021 – joined the Ibrox club on a season-long loan from the Serie A club on the same day it emerged that goalkeeper Jack Butland could be about to depart for Hull.
Godfrey moved to Atalanta from Everton for a transfer fee in the region of £11million in 2024 but made just five substitute appearances in Italy – all in the first half of the 2024-25 campaign – before loan stints with Ipswich, Sheffield United and Danish side Brondby over the past 18 months.
As he prepares to continue his career with Rangers, who have an option to buy him if the move goes to plan, the centre-back said in a Rangers TV interview: “Italy was interesting. Completely different culture, a new challenge for me and the family.
“I came out of it speaking Italian, which is interesting but obviously I didn’t get many minutes there. But it’s a chapter of my life, which I don’t regret.
“And Denmark was brilliant for me. It was a good six months there, getting regular football, and it was a beautiful place to live. But that’s all behind me. I’m just excited to be back over here and ready to go. It’s safe to say, obviously, the past couple of years has been turbulent.
“But I don’t regret anything over the past couple of years. It’s made me the person and the player I am today.”
After long-serving Gers captain James Tavernier left at the end of last season, 33-year-old former England keeper Butland – another influential member of the dressing room – is reportedly close to sealing a move to Hull, with Croatian stopper Ivor Pandur heading to Ibrox from The Tigers in return.
Godfrey believes he is equipped to take on a leadership role for new Ibrox boss Derek McInnes as he bids to get back to the level that helped him make 93 appearances for Everton and earn international recognition.
“The age that I’m at now and the experiences that I’ve had, I think I can be a leader and help the younger players,” he said. “I think I can bring experience to the defence and hopefully that helps the club have a good year.
“I think the DNA that runs through the club matches me as a person. I think it’s a good fit. I think that this year will be successful for us as a club. Obviously, there’s been heights in my career where I’ve been at a good level and I’m desperate to get back there.”
Godfrey is Rangers’ third signing of the summer after Scotland internationals Lawrence Shankland and Ross McCrorie joined from Hearts and Bristol City respectively.
“Ben has competed at a very high level throughout his career,” said McInnes. “He’s a strong, athletic defender with good qualities on and off the ball, and we believe he can add a lot to the squad.”