Godfrey joins Rangers on loan
Rangers have secured the services of defender Ben Godfrey on a season-long loan from Serie A side Atalanta. The agreement includes an option for Rangers to make the transfer permanent next summer. Godfrey becomes the third summer signing for Rangers, following the arrivals of Lawrence Shankland and Ross McCrorie.
The 28-year-old defender completed a medical ahead of his move to the Scottish club. Godfrey expressed his enthusiasm about joining Rangers, stating he is eager to contribute to the team’s success and help them achieve silverware.
Godfrey previously moved to Atalanta from Everton in 2024. During his time with Atalanta, he spent periods on loan at Ipswich, Sheffield United, and Brondby. He noted that his time in Italy presented a different cultural experience and a new challenge for him and his family, which he does not regret.
He hopes to bring experience to the defence and showcase his quality. Godfrey mentioned that he knows former players who have been at Rangers and speak positively about their experiences, which made the opportunity to join exciting for him.
Defender’s commitment and past experiences
Godfrey is committed to giving 100 per cent in training and during matches. He described himself as a player who leads by example, is front-footed, and aggressive. He believes his character and on-pitch contributions can benefit his new teammates and the squad.
Reflecting on his career, Godfrey acknowledged that there have been periods where he performed at a high personal level, and he is determined to return to that form. He views his experiences, including a turbulent couple of years, as having shaped him into the player he is today, enabling him to assist younger players in the team.
The defender highlighted the importance of a full pre-season, something he has not had in recent years. Joining Rangers early in the pre-season will provide him with the best platform to be at his peak performance when the season commences. He is looking forward to integrating with his new teammates and getting on the pitch.
Manager’s view and other transfer news
Rangers boss Derek McInnes commented on Godfrey’s arrival, noting his experience at a high level, including playing in the Premier League and being involved with England. McInnes described Godfrey as a strong, athletic defender with good qualities both on and off the ball, believing he will be a valuable addition to the squad.
In other transfer news, goalkeeper Ivor Pandur is set to join Rangers from Hull City. This move is reportedly valued at around £6m. Pandur, who joined Hull City in 2024, played in nearly all Championship games last season and kept clean sheets in play-off semi-finals and the final, contributing to Hull City’s Premier League promotion.
Concurrently, Jack Butland is expected to depart Ibrox for Hull City in a separate transaction, reportedly worth £3m. Butland moved to Glasgow in 2023 and has made over 150 appearances for Rangers, having previously played for several English clubs.
Pandur is currently with Croatia at the World Cup and is anticipated to join Rangers for the new season.
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Source: rangers.co.uk
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”