Everton lead late race for Brooke Norton-Cuffy as €25m move opens up

Everton are emerging as the frontrunners in a late January move for Genoa right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy, with Italian reports suggesting the Toffees are better placed than West Ham to strike a €25m deal before the deadline.

Interest in the former Arsenal academy defender is not new. Earlier this month, Gianluca Di Marzio highlighted Everton’s admiration for Norton-Cuffy, and with the window entering its final stretch, the Merseyside club appear ready to act.

Norton-Cuffy has enjoyed an impressive campaign in Serie A, establishing himself as a regular under Daniele De Rossi. The 21-year-old has made 22 appearances in all competitions for Genoa, combining athleticism with growing tactical discipline.

Signed from Arsenal in 2024 for just €4m, his value has risen sharply. Genoa are now believed to be seeking around €25m — a figure that reflects both his performances and his potential resale value.

That valuation has reshaped the market around him.

According to Calciomercato IT, Genoa are open to selling in the final days of the window, and Everton are currently “poised to attack”. West Ham remain interested but are thought to be behind the Toffees in terms of both intent and financial structure.

Juventus have also explored a deal, having struggled to land a right-back this window. However, their proposal — a loan with a conditional obligation to buy — has not appealed to Genoa, who are keen on a more straightforward sale.

That stance plays into Everton’s hands. Juventus are not in a position to meet the €25m asking price outright, while Premier League clubs are better equipped to do so.

A return to England is now viewed as the most probable outcome. Norton-Cuffy has previous Championship experience with Millwall and Coventry City and is seen as ready for the next step in his development.

From Everton’s perspective, the appeal is clear. The club are looking to strengthen defensively without compromising long-term planning, and Norton-Cuffy fits a profile they have increasingly targeted: young, proven at senior level abroad, and with room to grow.

Having followed Everton’s recruitment closely, there is a sense this is the type of deal they are prepared to move decisively on late in the window.

For Genoa, the numbers matter. Selling Norton-Cuffy for €25m would represent a significant capital gain just months after signing him, and Italian sources suggest the club are willing to seize that opportunity if the right offer arrives.

While there is no indication a deal is imminent, momentum appears to be shifting towards Everton as talks progress elsewhere.

Everton are expected to assess whether to formalise their interest with a concrete bid in the coming days. Genoa, meanwhile, will continue to hold firm on valuation, knowing multiple clubs are circling. With the deadline approaching quickly, clarity is likely to arrive soon — either through a decisive Everton move or Genoa opting to keep the defender until summer.

Should Everton push now to secure Brooke Norton-Cuffy, or is €25m too big a gamble this late in the window?