West Ham United are actively exploring their options at right-back as January planning continues, with a former Lincoln City man now on their radar.
Scouting work has been stepped up in recent weeks, with Genoa defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy emerging as one of the players under close observation. However, they’re joined by the likes of Everton, Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli in the hunt for a player who has gone on to big things since leaving the Bank.
According to GiveMeSport, West Ham United are also joined by Newcastle United now, and have made contact regarding Norton-Cuffy, who is currently plying his trade in Serie A. While no formal bid has yet been lodged by the Hammers, club scouts have been present at Genoa matches as West Ham assesses whether to move later in the window.
Norton-Cuffy, 22, joined Genoa from Arsenal in 2024 and has quickly established himself as a regular in Italy’s top flight. He has made 19 Serie A appearances this season and, aside from a recent muscle issue that kept him out of a draw with Parma, has been close to ever-present. Genoa are understood to be open to a sale at around €20m, with interest also coming from Napoli and Juventus.
From a West Ham perspective, the profile fits an emerging theme in their recruitment. Although the club currently have Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Kyle Walker-Peters on the books, there is an appetite to add a younger option who can be developed over time rather than relying solely on short-term solutions. Norton-Cuffy’s pace, athleticism and experience across different leagues make him an attractive candidate within that framework.
The defender’s background will also appeal in East London. A product of the Arsenal academy who also spent time at Chelsea as a youth player, Norton-Cuffy is a former England Under-21 international and is understood to be open to a return to the Premier League. He cut his cloth in the lower leagues, his first loan was with us, but Rotherham, Millwall and Coventry also gave him senior experience before his move to northern Italy. Still only 22, he represents a great investment for anyone trying to prise him from the relegation-threatened outfit.
Competition is likely to be strong for West Ham, while Genoa are relaxed about his future due to their strong contractual position. That said, West Ham’s willingness to bide their time could prove significant, particularly if other clubs move early and the market begins to clarify.
For now, the situation remains one to watch rather than one approaching a conclusion. West Ham are gathering information, monitoring performances and weighing up whether to convert interest into a formal offer. It is likely that genoa will hold their nerve until the end of the season, but if Serie B football beckons, then a move is likely.