Rangers complete Ben Godfrey deal with option to buy as Derek McInnes gives verdict on new signing

The 28-year-old arrives at Ibrox for the 2026/27 campaign and is Rangers’ third signing of the summer window following the arrivals of striker Lawrence Shankland from Hearts and defender Ross McCrorie from Bristol City.

Capped twice by England in 2021, Godfrey has spent the past two years at Atalanta in Serie A, although he has been farmed out on loan to Sheffield United in the English Championship and Brondby in Denmark.

Rangers have an option to buy Godfrey, who has English Premier League experience with Norwich City and also Everton. He is predominantly a centre-half, although can also fill in at full-back.

The Ibrox club utilised the loan market heavily last season and while there is a desire not to be as dependent on them during this transfer window, the opportunity to land Godfrey was not one recruitment chiefs wanted to turn down given his pedigree and the need to reinforce at centre-half.

Godfrey will now join up for pre-season training with his new Rangers teammates and meet head coach Derek McInnes, who expressed delight at bringing the defender into his squad.

“Ben is a player who has competed at a very high level throughout his career,” said McInnes. “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. We’re pleased to get him in, and I’m looking forward to working with him in the season ahead.”

On making the move, Godfrey said: “I am buzzing, I am really happy to be here. I know the size of the club so it is a massive honour to be wearing the shirt this season, and I can’t wait to get started.

“I am looking forward to meeting the boys and hopefully helping this club achieve what it deserves, which is silverware and exciting times.”