Journalist Pete O’Rourke, speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, says Genoa defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy is set to snub a January move to West Ham United. He is looking at other options instead. ...
Journalist Pete O’Rourke, speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, says Genoa defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy is set to snub a January move to West Ham United. He is looking at other options instead. The 22-year-old right-back moved from Arsenal to Serie A in August 2024.
Brooke Norton-Cuffy favours other moves over West Ham United
Since then, he has hit the ground running in Italy, making 19 appearances and scoring once for the Grifone. O’Rourke notes that while the England U21 international wants a return to the Premier League, West Ham’s current survival scrap makes them a tough sell.
Newcastle United and Everton are also keeping tabs on the defender. These clubs seem to be much higher on Norton-Cuffy’s shortlist. O’Rourke explains that the player has proven himself over there in Italy.
He now wants a chance to show what he can do in England’s top flight. West Ham are still sliding under Nuno Espírito Santo and currently sit 18th despite today’s impressive win. This poor form makes the move even less attractive.
The journalist adds that the Hammers are down the pecking order for his signature. While they do have some depth at right-back, the real issue is the very real threat of the Championship. Norton-Cuffy wants a stable club where he can secure a spot in the starting XI. He never got that kind of break during his time at the Emirates.
“Yeah, I think he’s a player that’s proven himself over there in Italy with Genoa. He’s had a very good season for them in Serie A.
“I’m sure the player himself would love the opportunity to come back to England and show that he’s good enough to play in the Premier League.
“He came though the Arsenal ranks before joining Genoa in search of first-team football, and he’s had a quicker pathway there and done really well.
“That’s why we’re getting this interest from the likes of Newcastle, Everton and even West Ham.
“I would imagine West Ham is probably down the pecking order of clubs interested.
“They’re quite well stocked at right back and again the player might not be that keen on a move to a club in a relegation fight.
“I’m sure it’s something that the player himself would love that opportunity to come back to the Premier League, having not really had the opportunity at Arsenal to make a name for himself.
“I’m sure if one of those interested clubs firm up their interest, it’s something that the player could be interested in.”
A massive blow to Nuno’s survival hopes
SASSUOLO, ITALY – NOVEMBER 03: Brooke Norton-Cuffy of Genoa CFC looks on during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Genoa CFC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on November 03, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
This snub adds to the misery for West Ham as they face a challenging run for the next few games. They are desperate for points to close that two-point gap to the safety zone (having played a match more). Missing out on Norton-Cuffy leaves the squad without that much-needed energy and tactical discipline he picked up in Serie A.
Looking at his stats this season, his defensive work and overlapping runs would have been a huge boost for a backline that hasn’t kept a clean sheet in 20 games.
With Newcastle and Everton waiting in the wings, the Hammers’ failure to secure top young talent shows how much their pull have faded during this relegation battle.
Category: General Sports
