Everton has been actively seeking new players this summer, but they would not have been able to bring in the three they did without a few exits.

Actually, the club has had to make a lot of sales over the past few years in order to either finance their transfers or simply stay afloat.

It was especially heartbreaking to witness Richarlison and Anthony Gordon ship off in consecutive windows, with neither one truly being replaced in the market, in a heinous demonstration of the latter.

This summer, though, represents a small change of course since, even if the Toffees are still making sales, they are potentially strengthening the team rather than merely maintaining it.

Carlo Ancelotti advises player to leave Everton

But one of those recent exits in particular was really a rather valuable addition to Sean Dyche’s team, having saved him in a couple tight spots during his 15 Premier League games last season.

However, Ben Godfrey felt that now was the ideal time to go after being lured by an offer to travel overseas this summer.

The way he left appeared to be quite straightforward. Kevin Thelwell arrived at Atlanta, received £10 million for his services, and left.

However, the 26-year-old has now disclosed to Tuttosport that Carlo Ancelotti was the one who persuaded him to quit the team. He quoted Ancelotti as saying, “Carlo Ancelotti was one of the first people I contacted once I heard about Atalanta’s interest and he immediately advised me to go there.” I had a brief encounter with him; he is a wonderful person and instructor.

We’ll cross paths once more at the European Super Cup in Warsaw on August 14. It would be a big task to mark Kylian Mbappé, but you have to confront the best if you want to get better.

It was appropriate to visit Atalanta, as it is an amazing club. Many players are able to grow and develop under Gian Piero Gasperini’s method.

It’s probably insignificant how much the Italian’s remarks caused Ben Godfrey to leave Everton—he was always willing to leave.

Ben Godfrey deserves to go and thrive outside of Everton

He actually went unnoticed when he signed with the Toffees in 2020 under Ancelotti, capping an incredible summer of revolution. He was a deadline-day signing.

Not unexpected, considering James Rodriguez’s greeting had deservedly dominated news reports.

Nevertheless, the former Norwich City defender would show to be a crucial member of the backline that season, even though his adaptability would ultimately be the thing to stop him from progressing further.

He never served as a mainstay but rather as the next in line under every unsuccessful leadership that came after, including Dyche’s.

He occasionally played centre defence and full back, and his time spent in midfield further demonstrated his versatility. However, his inconsistency in any one position was noted.

Godfrey was a very valuable player for Everton, but he should go and advance in his career to a place where he can truly prosper in a role that he chooses, not one that his manager assigns him.