Late in the January transfer window, it has been claimed that Leeds United has officially launched an attempt to sign a new defender.
Transfer rumors for Leeds
The Whites have not added any players to Daniel Farke’s squad this month, but they have been playing well and have not lost in 2024. Leeds already had travels to Home Park, Bristol City, and Swansea City this month, so a 1-1 draw with Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup on Saturday wasn’t exactly ideal for them.
In the last week of the transfer window, new defense acquisitions seem to be the top focus, particularly at full-back where Luke Ayling and Djed Spence left the team earlier in the year.
Archie Gray also sustained an injury last week against Norwich City. Calvin Ramsay of Liverpool, Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur, Ben Johnson of West Ham, and Connor Roberts of Burnley have all been linked to moves to Elland Road in recent weeks.
Though there have been rumors of a loan-to-buy arrangement, Ben Godfrey of Everton has also been touted as a target, and it looks like 49ers Enterprises has finally made an official move.
Ben Godfrey approaches Leeds
Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider reports that Leeds has now launched a “official” attempt to sign Godfrey, who is surplus to requirements at Everton and whose departure would be welcomed by Sean Dyche.
According to sources who spoke to Football Insider, Leeds United has formally approached Everton about a late-window loan agreement for defender Ben Godfrey.
“Earlier this week (January 24), Football Insider reported that the Whites were having preliminary discussions about making a loan move for the 26-year-old.
“After Godfrey’s transfer to Serie A team Atalanta fell through earlier this month as a result of Italy’s tax break elimination, Leeds focused on acquiring Godfrey.”
If Leeds could get Leeds to sign Godfrey before the deadline, Farke would know exactly what he is getting. The German was Godfrey’s manager at Norwich in the Championship and the Premier League, helping the current Leeds manager win two second-tier titles.
The 26-year-old could be Leeds’ best option in the last stretch, providing cover at full-back and taking on players like Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, and Liam Cooper at center-back. He has experience playing all over the back line, even as a holding midfielder. Farke had already praised Godfrey, saying:
Even if they are currently the top center backs in the world, they will have committed blunders when they were 19 and 20 years old. The most proficient ones acquire knowledge. Ben is performing flawlessly, which is amazing.
He plays with a lot of emotion, which I really enjoy because it shows that you can find different gear. He was able to carry his team through when he played holding [midfield]. However, when he plays center back and we are losing or going through a tough time, we have to calm him down. He can now focus, get his bearings, and manage his emotions.
