Ex-Everton defender Godfrey joins Rangers on loan from Atalanta

Ben Godfrey has played five times for Atalanta since joining from Everton two years ago [Getty Images] Former Everton defender Ben Godfrey is determined to help Rangers "achieve what it deserves" after signing on loan from Atalanta. The Ibrox club will have the option to make the deal permanent for the 28-year-old next summer. Godfrey has struggled for game time in recent seasons, spending the second half of last term making 12 appearances on loan to Brondby as they finished fourth in the Danish top flight. However, he is driven to make the most of a new challenge in Scotland, saying it is a "massive honour" to join Rangers. "I am buzzing, I am really happy to be here," the former Norwich City player said. "I know the size of the club. "I am looking forward to meeting the boys and hopefully helping this club achieve what it deserves, which is silverware and exciting times." McCrorie returns to Rangers from Bristol City Hull bid for Rangers' Raskin expected to fall short Impressive form earlier in Godfrey's career took him from Norwich to Everton in a deal worth a reported £20m in 2020. Capable of playing centre-back and full-back, he has two England caps but has had limited minutes since moving to Atalanta in 2024. He has played just five times for the Serie A club, and his move to Ibrox is his fourth loan in the past two years after stints at Ipswich Town, Sheffield United and Brondby. Despite that, Rangers manager Derek McInnes is pleased to be signing a player who has "competed at a very high level throughout his career". He added: "He's played in the Premier League, been involved with England, and brings a lot of experience with him. "He's a strong, athletic defender with good qualities both on and off the ball, and we believe he can add a lot to the squad." Visit our Rangers page for all the latest news, analysis and fan views Get Rangers news notifications in the BBC Sport app