Scottish Premiership club Rangers are closing in on a loan deal for Atalanta defender Ben Godfrey, who is expected to join with an option to buy.
Why it matters: With several key players departing, Rangers need to strengthen their defense ahead of the new season. Godfrey's versatility and experience could be instrumental in their title challenge.
Godfrey, 28, has made only five competitive appearances for Atalanta since joining from Everton for £11 million in 2024.
The defender has previously been on loan at Ipswich Town, Sheffield United, and Brondby, where he made 11 appearances in the Danish Superliga.
Rangers manager Derek McInnes is eager to finalize the deal as he looks to rebuild the squad for the upcoming season.
Driving the news: The move comes as Rangers face a defensive crisis following the return of several players to their parent clubs, including Max Aarons, Nasser Djiga, and Derek Cornelius. James Tavernier has also left the club, leaving a gap in the back line.
McInnes has already signed Ross McCrorie from Bristol City for approximately £1.5 million as part of his efforts to shore up the defense.
Godfrey's potential arrival would mark another step in McInnes's strategy to strengthen the squad ahead of the new campaign.
The loan agreement is seen as a short-term solution that allows Rangers to assess Godfrey's fit without committing to a permanent transfer.
State of play: Godfrey's career has faced challenges, including injuries that sidelined him for extended periods. He suffered a ligament tear in his knee and a fractured leg in 2022, which limited his playing time at Atalanta.
During his time at Atalanta, Godfrey has struggled to make an impact, managing only 93 minutes of competitive action across five matches.
His previous stints at Ipswich Town and Sheffield United were more fruitful, indicating his potential when fit and aligned with a suitable system.
McInnes is banking on Godfrey's experience to quickly integrate into the Rangers setup and help stabilize the defense.
The big picture: Rangers are looking to reclaim their position at the top of Scottish football, especially after a disappointing season last year. Strengthening their backline is seen as a key step in this process.
With Celtic as their primary rival, Rangers must improve their squad depth and quality to compete effectively for the Premiership title.
Godfrey's ability to play multiple defensive positions—center-back, right-back, and left-back—makes him a valuable asset in a squad that has lost key players.
The loan arrangement allows Rangers to evaluate Godfrey’s performance throughout the season before making a long-term commitment.
What they're saying: McInnes has expressed confidence in securing Godfrey’s services, highlighting the importance of adding experienced players to the squad.
“We need to fill the gaps left by departing players, and Ben brings versatility that can help us in various defensive roles,” McInnes said.
Fans are hopeful that Godfrey can replicate his earlier form and contribute significantly to Rangers’ ambitions.
Atalanta's management is reportedly supportive of the loan move, recognizing Godfrey's need for regular playing time to regain his form.
By the numbers: Godfrey has made 85 Premier League appearances and has earned two caps for the England national team.
He joined Everton for a reported £20 million after impressing at Norwich City, but his time at Atalanta has been underwhelming.
Godfrey's contract with Atalanta runs until 2028, indicating that the club still sees potential in him for the future.
Rangers have already made two signings this summer, indicating proactive steps to revamp the squad.
What's next: The completion of Godfrey's loan transfer is expected soon, allowing him to join Rangers before the start of the new season.
Once finalized, Godfrey will look to establish himself quickly in the squad, aiming to contribute to Rangers’ title aspirations.
McInnes is also expected to continue scouting for additional players to bolster other areas of the team as the transfer window progresses.
Rangers fans eagerly await the official announcement, hoping Godfrey can help fortify their defense and lead them back to glory.