Rangers bank on Godfrey’s leadership to shore up defence at Ibrox

Rangers have brought 28‑year‑old centre‑half Ben Godfrey on loan to fill a defensive leadership gap, offering a £10 million‑priced player who arrived from Everton and saw limited action at Atalanta, making five substitute appearances totalling 93 minutes in the campaign.

Godfrey arrived at Atalanta after a £10 million transfer from Everton in the summer of 2024. He featured only five times from the bench, accumulating 93 minutes, and has since spent spells on loan at Ipswich Town, Sheffield United and Brondby.

"I learned a lot, football wise," Godfrey said of his half‑season with the Bergamo club. He added that the game in Italy is played "completely different; tactically, technically," and that even limited minutes offered valuable lessons.

Rangers hold an option to buy Godfrey at the end of the loan, and he expressed eagerness to assume a leadership role under manager Derek McInnes. He believes the club’s characteristics match his own ambitions.

"If you don't have any pressure then you're not at the level you want to be," Godfrey explained, noting that a club of Rangers' size inevitably brings pressure that must be used positively.

"At 28, I have experienced a lot – I can drive standards every day," he said, adding that he wants to help young players and bring his personality to the pitch.

Godfrey earned two England caps in 2021, and his arrival makes him Rangers' third signing of the summer after Scotland internationals Lawrence Shankland and Ross McCrorie. Goalkeeper Ivor Pandur and midfielder Dan Neil have also joined the squad.

"The manager is big on character, making sure the right kind of people are in the building," Godfrey noted, concluding that everyone wants to push the club forward.