It’s always a risk to welcome back former players with open arms, but Everton have done this quite well.
A strong example of this can be shown through Idrissa Gana Gueye, who has arguably been Everton’s player of the season.
This comes after the midfielder returned following his £30m departure to join PSG in 2019.
Another strong example is Wayne Rooney, who came back and played excellently under Sam Allardyce.
David Moyes will be looking at Championship players, but also stars that Everton might know well, and the perfect return could be ready and waiting.
Everton FC v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Photo by Dave Howarth – CameraSport/Getty Images
Former Everton star Ben Godfrey set to leave Atalanta
One name that could definitely be considered is a return this summer for Ben Godfrey.
The 27-year-old left Goodison Park for a fee of £10m to join Atalanta in Serie A after a solid spell on Merseyside.
AC Milan and Dortmund wanted Godfrey at one stage, but the defender opted for a move to Italy, and it hasn’t exactly panned out.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
After just five appearances for Atalanta, the Print Edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (16/06/25) suggests that Godfrey could already leave the club.
The former Everton star did spend the remainder of last season on loan at Ipswich Town, but Moyes should look to secure a return.
READ MORE: Everton star likely to leave as David Moyes decision forces his hand with Premier League clubs circling
Godfrey left on Carlo Ancelotti’s demand as Everton should forgive him
It’s a return that will have plenty of debate, with fans having mixed opinions on Godfrey.
However, fans would welcome a return, as big Toffees fan Tony Bellew suggested he ‘missed’ the centre-back.
He said this after Godfrey applauded Goodison one last time, with the centre-back potentially keen on a reunion himself.
It wasn’t actually the defender himself alone who forced the exit, as Carlo Ancelotti encouraged Godfrey to leave, and the centre-back now might think the exit was a big mistake.
Although his time at Atalanta hasn’t gone to plan, Everton and Moyes should learn to forgive the centre-back for leaving the Toffees with a potential deal this window.
His numbers from the season before he left show that he can still operate at this level, as Moyes will be keen to strengthen his backline.
Godfrey for Everton in 23/24 PL season
Games played 15
Tackles won % 66.7%
Aerial duels won per 90 2.09
Duels won per 90 5.29
Shots blocked 5
Despite there being no links, Godfrey tried to lure Liam Delap to Everton, showing he wants to make amends and even don the blue shirt of Everton once again, and he deserves it, judging by his tenure there.