Everton transfer news: Ben Godfrey signs from Norwich City
Last updated on .From the section Everton
Everton have signed defender Ben Godfrey from Norwich City in a £25m deal
Godfrey, 22, joins the Toffees on a five-year contract.
He is Everton's fifth signing of the summer after midfielders Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure, playmaker James Rodriguez and left-back Niels Nkounkou.
"It is an honour to sign for Everton and to be part of a huge club," said the England Under-21 centre-back.
"This is a club full of history that has an exciting team full of world-class players who will help me kick on to the next level. I am looking forward to working with them and, hopefully, having great times with Everton."
Everton are the early Premier League leaders after winning their opening four matches.
However, manager Carlo Ancelotti wanted to increase his options in defence after injuries to Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite.
"The manager's past speaks for itself," said Godfrey, who will join the England Under-21 squad this week for Euro 2021 qualifiers against Andorra and Turkey.
"He has worked with some top-class centre-backs. I will be able to learn so much from him and he is going to help me get to that next level, which is where I want to be."
Godfrey joined Norwich in 2016 from York City for £150,000 and played a key part in their promotion to the Premier League in 2018-19.
He made 30 top-flight appearances last season as the Canaries were relegated back to the Championship.
The fee is a record received by the Canaries, eclipsing the previous mark of £20m - plus £4m in add-ons - from Leicester City for midfielder James Maddison in 2018.
York City are in line to receive about £2.5m as part of the switch, having negotiated a sell-on clause as part of his move to Carrow Road.
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.
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Ben has been exceptional for us and even at the age of 22 has been one of our most professional players.
He has bags of ability and potential, and I would happily put a bet on him becoming a regular in the senior England squad in the next 18 months.
Everton you've got yourselves a gem!
It's been a long time. The season is in its infancy, but they're starting to look a really decent side. Good luck to them.
Hope Godfrey can be the same.
£25m for U21 international that should be at club for 10 year looks good value.
GK position needs looking at, but only if right deal out there.
Good to see York City getting £2.5m from transfer too.
What an example to be set to other clubs and I wish them every success this year. Well done Ancelotti!