Juventus Lead Race For Everton’s Right-Back Target: Is He A Necessity For The Toffees? | OneFootball

The Brooke Norton-Cuffy transfer saga continues. This week, TuttoSport, as relayed by Sport Witness, confirmed that the situation for the 22-year-old Genoa defender has entered a serious new stage before the summer window. Big clubs still want to sign Norton-Cuffy. He expects to leave Genoa in June. This story now involves more than a simple Premier League tug of war.

Juventus Reignite Norton-Cuffy Chase

Norton-Cuffy joined Genoa from Arsenal in the summer of 2024. Genoa triggered his release clause for around €3 million. That deal looks like a bargain now. He struggled with injuries during his first year. However, he became a vital player for Genoa during this campaign.

The 22-year-old started 24 Serie A games under Daniele De Rossi this season. He is now a reliable wing-back who carries the ball forward with purpose. The defender also won the Under-21 European Championships with England last summer. This milestone increased the buzz around his talent.

The January window moved the story forward quickly. Newcastle United, Everton, and West Ham all asked about Norton-Cuffy in January. Genoa wanted a sale price of around €20 million. Sport Witness reported that Everton led the race while West Ham trailed. Fabrizio Romano also confirmed the interest. He noted that Everton and at least one other Premier League club were calling again.

However, the January deal did not happen. Genoa rejected a Premier League bid worth more than €15 million during the winter. They held firm on their price. They want to negotiate from a stronger position this summer. Other details also surfaced. Norton-Cuffy played poorly when Everton scouts watched him against Cagliari on January 12. The manager substituted him at half-time after he struggled. This performance likely cooled Everton’s interest at the wrong time.

Now, TuttoSport reports that Juventus lead the race. Juventus put Norton-Cuffy at the top of their wishlist. The Turin club are now talking to the player’s agents at Roc Nation. Norton-Cuffy still has several offers from the Premier League. Juventus sporting director Marco Ottolini has a personal connection here.

He originally brought Norton-Cuffy to Genoa. Juventus contacted the Genoa directors, and they believe they can convince the club to sell. The asking price remains between €20 million and €25 million. This price is high because Arsenal kept a 20% sell-on clause. Juventus plan to lower the cash cost by offering promising Next Gen players in trade. Genoa has accepted this type of deal from Juventus before.

Three English clubs have also made contact. Everton have been involved since January, so they likely hold one of those spots.

Does Everton’s Right-Back Crisis Make Norton-Cuffy a Necessity?

CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Brooke Norton-Cuffy of Genoa CFC in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Genoa CFC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on February 15, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

The answer is yes. According to The Athletic, Everton are one of the two worst teams in the Premier League at defending the back post. David Moyes is clearly unhappy with his full-back options. Moyes continues to play Jake O’Brien at right-back. He prefers height and strength over pace. This makes the defence look solid against headers, but attackers beat them easily with balls over the top.

Seamus Coleman leaves at the end of the season. Nathan Patterson does not have the manager’s trust. Other targets like Mingueza or Fatawu do not fit the team’s needs. Norton-Cuffy is 22 and has proven himself in Europe. He fixes the gap in the squad.

The Juventus factor is a problem for Everton. Ottolini’s relationship with the player and the offer of young players give Genoa a good alternative. Inter Milan might also try to sign him this summer. Everton face a three-way battle for a player that Genoa already refused to sell cheaply.

The summer window gives Everton more time. They have no deadline pressure. European qualification might also help them attract the player. Norton-Cuffy still wants to play in the Premier League. The Friedkins must make a decision quickly and decisively. If they do not, this story will just become another missed opportunity for Everton.