Rangers fans celebrating the official arrival of Ben Godfrey have been handed an even bigger reason to cheer following a massive contractual revelation behind the scenes.
The Light Blues formally announced the signing of the two-time England international from Serie A side Atalanta on Monday morning, securing his services on an initial season-long loan deal.
While the inclusion of an option to buy was proudly highlighted by the club, the exact financial package required to make the deal permanent next summer was initially shrouded in mystery.
Now, reliable journalist Chris Jack, reporting via the Rangers Review, has completely cracked open the numbers, unmasking the precise multi-million fee agreed between the two clubs.
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Rangers agree £3.8m Ben Godfrey fee
According to Jack’s exclusive update, Rangers have negotiated a remarkably favourable position with the Italian side.
Should the Ibrox club decide to trigger the permanent buy option at any stage over the next year, they will PAY Atalanta a fixed fee of just £3.8million.
Given that Everton parted with upwards of £25m to sign the athletic centre-back in 2020, securing a top-flight proven defender in his prime years for under £4m represents an extraordinary bit of business.
It gives new manager Derek McInnes a zero-risk look at an elite defensive talent with absolute clarity over future budget planning.
However, the jury is out on Godfrey, who spent last season out on loan at Sheffield United and Brondby.
It remains to be seen if the former Everton defender can do enough to convince Rangers to fork out the £3.8m fee.
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Andrew Cavenagh and Co. pull off negotiation masterstroke
While there is doubt among the Rangers fanbase about Godfrey’s ability to hit the ground running in Scotland after an underwhelming season, Andrew Cavenagh and Co. have effectively put the club in a win-win situation.
At 28, the central defender is still at the peak of his career and he also brings Premier League experience to Ibrox.
On paper, Godfrey has what it takes to be a hit at Rangers, and if McInnes can platform him to regain his best form, the Gers are in a great position to buy him for a cut-price fee.
