---
title: "Exclusive: Ball thinks Ben Godfrey and Ben White could be the future of Everton"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/exclusive-ball-thinks-ben-godfrey-and-ben-white-could-be-the-future-of-everton-transfers-rumour-arsenal-brighton-e166/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Caleb Sage"
section: "Everton"
published: "2021-07-04T18:00:03Z"
modified: "2021-07-04T18:00:03Z"
---

# Exclusive: Ball thinks Ben Godfrey and Ben White could be the future of Everton

**Ben Godfrey and Ben White could be the future of Everton, the club’s former defender Michael Ball told [The Transfer Tavern](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/) in an exclusive interview.**

Arsenal were [thought to be close](https://theathletic.co.uk/2671142/2021/06/24/arsenal-moving-closer-signing-brighton-defender-ben-white-deal-worth-around-50m/) to signing the English centre-back. However, according to the [Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9747167/Everton-planning-FOIL-Arsenals-bid-sign-White-holding-talks-Brighton-move.html), Everton are looking to gazump their Premier League rivals and are in talks with Brighton over a £50m deal.

When it comes to that centre-back position, the Toffees currently have the likes of Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Godfrey. And alongside the latter, Ball believes White could help give the club a centre-half partnership for years.

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Speaking exclusively to **TT** about Everton’s interest in the 23-year-old, the retired full-back said:

*“You can obviously see Ben White and Ben Godfrey playing together and as the future of the club.*

*“Yeah, 50 million does seem a lot of money, but it’s the way football’s gone nowadays.”*

White was one of Brighton’s standout defenders last term. He averaged more tackles per league game (1.4) than fellow centre-backs Adam Webster (one) and Lewis Dunk (0.9, [via WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/211/Show/England-Brighton)).

The England international also averaged 1.7 interceptions, again more than the team’s other central defenders.

Ultimately, the defensive quality is certainly there, though the £50m fee he is commanding is questionable after just one season in the Premier League.