Genoa rejected a January transfer offer from the Premier League for former Lincoln City defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy, with the Serie A club holding firm amid growing interest from Italy’s biggest sides.
The decision has placed the 21-year-old firmly in the spotlight ahead of an expected summer battle for his signature.
Genoa Stand Firm Over Former Imp
According to reports in Italy, Genoa turned down a bid in excess of €15 million during the winter window, opting not to sell Norton-Cuffy despite significant interest from abroad. The offer is believed to have come from the Premier League, though the club in question has not been named. Prior to the window opening, Newcastle, Everton and West Ham were all linked with the defender.
The rejection comes with Inter Milan and Juventus both monitoring the situation closely, with the pair expected to consider formal approaches once the current season concludes. Genoa’s stance indicates a willingness to wait until the summer, when competition between interested clubs could strengthen their negotiating position.
Norton-Cuffy joined Genoa on a permanent deal in the summer of 2024 after progressing through the academy systems at Chelsea and Arsenal. Since moving to Italy, he has established himself in Serie A, operating primarily as a wing-back and drawing attention for his athleticism and attacking output.
The former City loanee arrived at Sincil Bank in January 2022 and made his senior debut shortly afterwards against Plymouth Argyle. Initially viewed as a development signing, he quickly forced his way into contention and went on to score his first senior goal against Sheffield Wednesday later that season.
During his time with City, Norton-Cuffy featured regularly at right-back, adding pace and directness down the flank. His Lincoln spell formed part of a broader development pathway, which also included loan spells with Rotherham United, Coventry City, and Millwall, giving him extensive experience in the Championship before his move abroad.
At international level, Norton-Cuffy has represented England at every youth age group from Under-16 through to Under-21. He was part of the squad that won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2022 and later featured in England’s successful Under-21 European Championship campaign in 2025.
With Genoa under no immediate pressure to sell, attention is now likely to shift towards the summer window. Inter and Juventus are expected to remain interested, while the rejected Premier League offer underlines the level of valuation now attached to a player who once developed his senior game in Imps’ colours.