‘Real deal’… Andros Townsend says new Leeds United target can go right to the ‘very top’

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Leeds United are in the market for new defenders this month with the Premier League loan market predominantly where they are looking.

The Whites could do with reinforcements across each position across the back four, with Daniel Farke even admitting on Tuesday that they could look at another central defender.

Charlie Cresswell is not up for selection at the moment unless he improves his attitude, and is also expected to leave. Pascal Struijk’s injury, meanwhile, is taking longer to recover than expected.

One player who has been linked over the last few days is Ben Godfrey. Godfrey worked under Farke at Norwich City but has lost his way in recent seasons due to injury.

At one point, however, Godfrey was looking destined to become one of the best centre-backs in the country. Norwich valued him at £50 million, though Everton were able to sign him for around half that in 2020.

Former teammate Andros Townsend told the Daily Mail back in 2021 that Godfrey is the ‘real deal’ and has the potential to go right to the ‘very top’.

Townsend backed Godfrey to go the ‘very top’

He said: “Obviously I played against him last season and he’s got massive potential, but seeing him on a day-to-day basis, he really is the real deal. Again, with a manager like Rafa who will work hard to improve him, he can really go to the very top.”

Godfrey would undoubtedly be an excellent signing for Leeds even despite his injury issues over the last couple of years at Goodison Park.

Though primarily a centre-back, the 26-year-old is capable of playing in every position across the back four, which would be a big boost to Leeds’ squad given their lack of depth.

He is also excellent on the ball and like Joe Rodon, has some terrific recovery speed, which is an important attribute to have given Leeds dominate in so many matches.

Godfrey has not yet fulfilled that potential Townsend saw in him three years ago, but a move to Leeds could be exactly what he needs to get his career back on the right track.