Former England international has EFL loan terminated after just four games amid cryptic social media post
Chris Wilder has confirmed that Ben Godfrey has left Sheffield United, with his loan set to be terminated.
Godfrey arrived at Bramall Lane from Serie A side Atalanta in the summer on a season-long loan, but it has now been cut short.
The 27-year-old, who has two England caps to his name, only played four times for the Blades during his spell.
His last appearance came on September 20 as Sheffield United took on Charlton and he has not been in the squad since.
It has left him on the sidelines for over two months and he will now be returning to Italy early.
Godfrey’s departure comes after he posted a cryptic message on social media seemingly regarding his future.
He posted on Instagram: “Story’s gunna be eye opening!! 27 n out.”
The post hinted at not only a move back to Italy but also potential retirement, as the 27-year-old mentioned an ‘eye-opening’ story.
Manager Wilder was asked about the social media activity of his defender, which then prompted him to reveal some news.
The Blades boss said: “We’ve been in discussions with Atalanta about breaking and terminating the loan deal.
“We had a break [clause] in January, so we’ve advanced that.
“Ben’s no longer with us.”
A short stay
Godfrey joined Sheffield United in August when Ruben Selles was manager, returning to Yorkshire where he started his career.
Speaking when he signed, the centre-back said to the club’s website: “I’m a Yorkshire lad so it’s brilliant to be back home, and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
But after featuring in the first four games of the season for the Blades, he has not played a single game since.
And under Wilder, he has been unable to get back involved.
In total, he featured for just over 300 minutes for the club and will now make his way back to Italy and Atalanta.
Although Godfrey is unlikely to find minutes there either.
Godfrey’s recent struggles
At Atalanta, Godfrey has made just five appearances since his £10million move from Everton in the summer of 2024.
Those appearances have all been from the bench and combine for just 93 minutes on the pitch for the Italian side.
He has struggled with some injuries that have kept him out of action, with his fitness not being helped by irregular game time.
Before his loan to Sheffield United, he spent the second half of last term with Ipswich Town, where he only played five times.
In the last year, he has played just nine games in total.
Godfrey had the best spell of his career at Everton, for whom he signed for from Norwich for £25million in 2020.
He picked up his two England caps while at the Toffees in 2021.
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