The 28-year-old English centre-back has played just five competitive appearances for Atalanta across all competitions since joining in 2024, accumulating a little over 90 minutes on the pitch. His most recent loan was a six-month spell at Brøndby in Denmark, where he made 12 appearances across all competitions and scored one goal.
Godfrey returned to Bergamo following the Brøndby loan with his future clearly pointing away from Serie A, and Rangers will now give him a fresh opportunity in Scotland. The deal includes an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.
Despite making minimal impact at Atalanta, Godfrey brings significant experience from his time in the Premier League and holds two England senior caps. His versatility — capable of playing as a centre-back, left-back or right-back — adds value for a Rangers side that has seen defensive departures this summer.
For Atalanta, the move resolves a situation that has been ongoing since Godfrey's arrival, with the club having sent him on multiple successive loans without securing his future. A permanent exit at the end of the Rangers deal would bring definitive closure to an association that never worked as intended.
Rangers' decision to target Godfrey reflects their need for defensive cover following a summer of departures. The option-to-buy structure gives both parties a way to assess whether a permanent arrangement makes sense without committing prematurely, which suits a player who needs to rebuild form and confidence after a difficult period in Italy.