Sheffield United Announce the Signing of Former England International

Originally posted on Sheff United Way | By Jake Staniland | Last updated Aug 22, 2025 7:39 AM ET

Sheffield United have completed the signing of Ben Godfrey on a season-long loan from Serie A side Atalanta, bringing the defender back to English football just a year after his move to Italy from Everton.

With the Blades aiming to get back to the Premier League, the Yorkshireman has tasted success at this level after winning the Championship with Norwich City in the 2018/19 campaign, playing over 30 times for the Canaries that term, with United finishing in second that season and five points behind Norwich.

Godfrey Speaks As A Blade For the First Time

The 26-year-old, who hails from York, expressed his delight at returning closer to home:

“I’m a Yorkshire lad so brilliant to be back home and I’m looking forward to getting started,” he told SUTV. “It was a good experience moving out to Italy. There were things I learnt about football, lifestyle and language but there’s nothing like being in your home country and especially for the family being close to home, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Godfrey added that the chance to work under United boss Ruben Selles was a major draw:

“The manager has some good ideas, and I am looking forward to learning under him and I think there will be positives through the season that we can really look forward to. I’ve been training hard at Atalanta, so it’s been good to get that into the legs, plenty of minutes and plenty o f tough training sessions as well, so I am feeling ready to go.”

What Does Ben Godfrey Add to the Sheffield United Squad?

The former England international spent part of last season on loan at Ipswich Town, making just three Premier League appearances. Despite that limited involvement, Godfrey brings a wealth of experience to Bramall Lane, having racked up 115 top-flight appearances across his career.

Godfrey’s versatility could prove invaluable for United this season. Naturally a centre-half, he is equally comfortable at right-back, offering Selles both depth and tactical flexibility. Known for his athleticism, power and recovery pace, the defender appears well-suited to United’s high defensive line and relentless high pressing system.

The good news for Sheffield United is that he has been registered in time ready to potentially play a part at the weekend as the Blades host Millwall on Saturday afternoon.

This article first appeared on Sheff United Way and was syndicated with permission.

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