Ben Godfrey: Why has defender's Sheffield United loan deal been terminated early?
A former Everton star and England international has seen his contract with a Championship side terminated early.
Chris Wilder has confirmed that Ben Godfrey has left Sheffield United after his loan spell was brought to a premature end.
Godfrey joined the Blades from Serie A side Atalanta on a season-long loan in the summer, but has made just four appearances during his time at Bramall Lane.
His last outing came on September 20 against Charlton.
Godfrey, 27, has not featured in the matchday squad since and has spent more than two months on the sidelines. Now, he will return to Italy to try and break back into Atalanta’s starting XI instead.
It comes after the ex-Everton man put a cryptic post on social media, in which he said: “Story’s gunna [sic] be eye opening! 27 and out.”
When asked about the post, Wilder confirmed the defender’s departure.
The Blades manager said: “We’ve been in discussions with Atalanta about breaking and terminating the loan deal.
“There was a break clause in January, so we’ve brought that forward. Ben’s no longer with us.”
Godfrey joined Sheffield United in August under former manager Ruben Selles, returning to Yorkshire where he began his career.
“I’m a Yorkshire lad so it’s brilliant to be back home, and I’m looking forward to getting started,” he said at the time.
In total, Godfrey played just over 300 minutes for the club.