Norwich City defender Ben Godfrey has sealed a club record £25m move to Everton.

Godfrey was officially unveiled on Monday morning after signing a five year deal with the Merseysiders for an undisclosed fee, which is worth £25m to Norwich.

The young centre back completed his medical and finalised personal terms over the weekend after the two clubs had thrashed out a deal late on Thursday evening. His former club, York City, are entitled to a 10% sell on clause negotiated in the original deal that brought him to Norfolk in 2016.

“It is an honour to sign for Everton and to be part of a huge club. I am very thankful for the opportunity and I can’t wait to get started,” Godfrey told Everton’s official site. “The aim for me at Everton is to win trophies and win games. I like to win. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I care and I am a passionate lad.

“I have played at Goodison a few times for my previous club. It is an intimidating place to come when you are an away team.”

Godfrey’s exit follows Jamal Lewis’ move to Newcastle after the big centre back had been linked to clubs in Germany, France and Italy as well as England for most of this transfer window.

Max Aarons, Emi Buendia and Todd Cantwell have also been touted with moves over recent weeks ahead of the deadline for overseas transfers at 11pm on Monday. The domestic window, allowing Premier League clubs to buy players from the Football League, remains open until October 16.

Daniel Farke, speaking prior to the 1-0 Championship defeat against Derby, is in no doubt Godfrey can go all the way after sealing a big money move to join Carlo Ancelotti’s early Premier League pacesetters.

“I am pretty sure he will play for best clubs in the world one day and he has the potential to captain England. That is what I wish for him.

“He is one of the best centre backs in the world in terms of potential. I was happy to be able to work with him. I would have liked to work further on with him.

“It is always a compliment when the biggest clubs in this country look at our players. We should feel proud and it shows we have definitely done something right. La Masia (Barcelona’s academy) can close the doors because everyone looks at Norwich. We have developed some of the biggest talents in this country.

“It started with the Murphys, James Maddison and so on. Sadly we have already lost Jamal Lewis, the best left back in this league. Pretty likely we now lose the best centre back and we still have some real talent with potential.

“It doesn’t help me in the short term. It is never easy to win games. That is why I would never want to sell. I don’t want to earn the biggest money in this country. I am highly motivated to win football games and you stand a better chance with all your top players. But it is a sign of quality work. I am not naive.

“The only self-funding club must listen to crazy offers and then make a decision. On the short, mid and long term this club is on a good page. It is a proud day to be a Norwich supporter. I know they will also be sad. But as a head coach I have more than one tear in my eye. It doesn’t make my life easier.

“For all parties this is a good move. We need to see the bigger picture. I am not just selfish. We are financially solid for the next years and the reputation of our club is where the best talents in this country can be developed.”