Everton have stepped up their pursuit of Genoa right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy. Representatives and intermediaries connected to the Italian side are currently engaged in fresh talks. Genoa appear prepared to sell the 22-year-old this summer if a club meets their valuation of approximately €20 million, which equates to roughly £17 million.

Everton eye Genoa right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy this summer

This price tag fits well within the budget at Goodison Park, and club officials consider the player a highly realistic target. The defender is also keen on the move. A return to the Premier League offers significant appeal, particularly with the prospect of consistent top-flight playing time. He should adjust quickly to the squad, as he already knows several players in David Moyes’s setup, having played alongside Tyrique George, Tyler Dibling, and Hayden Hackney during his England Under-21 tenure.

Born in Pimlico and developed within the Arsenal academy, Norton-Cuffy earned his experience the hard way. He played numerous matches in the Championship during loan spells at Lincoln, Rotherham, Coventry, and Millwall before moving to Genoa. While a transition to Serie A is often challenging for young British defenders, he adapted well. Last season, Brooke Norton-Cuffy recorded 2,216 minutes across 27 appearances, including 25 starts following his debut against Atalanta. He registered two goals and one assist, though some disciplinary issues and two red cards highlighted his ongoing development.

Does Moyes actually need him?

This raises the question of whether Moyes truly requires another right-back. The position is already crowded, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka remains the primary target. With Rico Lewis and Djed Spence also on the radar, the interest in Norton-Cuffy suggests the club may be struggling to finalize their recruitment strategy.

While the £17 million fee for an Under-21 European Championship winner is reasonable, Everton possess more urgent needs elsewhere. The club has already invested heavily in Hackney and Tyrique George, while the situation regarding Jack Grealish remains unresolved. Additionally, finding a new striker to bolster the attack is a priority, with Liam Delap frequently linked to the club.

Questions also remain regarding whether a defender from a Genoa side that struggled near the bottom of the table is prepared for a team chasing a top-half finish in England. While the talent is evident, his potential remains unproven in this context. If the pursuit of Wan-Bissaka fails, Norton-Cuffy serves as a viable alternative; however, with backing from the Friedkin Group, observers suggest Moyes could aim for a more established option.