The Athletic reporter Patrick Boyland has recently explained the finances in the deal which saw Ben Godfrey move from Norwich City to Everton.
On Monday, the Toffees announced that they had sealed the services of the centre-back from the Canaries for an undisclosed fee and he had signed a five-year deal (per Everton).
The post on the Merseyside club’s website went on to note that the 22-year-old defender was ‘broadly regarded‘ as one of England’s brightest prospects.
Godfrey’s arrival marked Everton’s fifth signing of the transfer window and Robin Olsen arrived later in the day before the transfer deadline passed.
In the latest episode of The Athletic’s Gwlad Tidings podcast, Boyland discussed the signing of Godfrey and explained the finances behind his arrival.
He said: “We understand that the initial sum Everton will pay, so, the guaranteed amount, is £20m. It will rise to become Norwich City’s record sale.
“Now, that, according to our colleague Michael Bailey, is around the £24m mark. So, it gives you an indication of the bonuses they’re expecting to receive there.
“I mean, I’ve spoken to several people who have tracked Godfrey’s progress, and we’re all well aware of the current financial climate in the market.
“I’ve not had one suggestion yet that this doesn’t represent good business for Everton.”
TIF Thoughts…
As can be seen in what the journalist had to say, it seems Everton will pay £20m upfront for the English defender and bonuses will take the sum to somewhere over £24m.
However, he also states that there is a seemingly widely-held view that it is still a good deal for Carlo Ancelotti’s side due to the player’s potential.
Have Everton agreed to pay too much for Ben Godfrey?
Yes, he's not that good
No, he's a good player
In the Premier League last season, the 22-year-old defender earned a weak 6.45/10 average rating over 30 appearances (per WhoScored).
That rating would have made him the eighth-worst performer in Everton’s squad last term, so, hopefully, the defender can deliver better performances this season.