Newcastle United has officially stepped into the race to secure one of England’s most exciting young defensive prospects. Reports indicate that the Magpies have initiated contact regarding a potential deal for Brooke Norton-Cuffy, the former Arsenal academy standout currently making a name for himself in Italy with Genoa.
This move comes as Eddie Howe looks to solve a growing problem on the right side of his defense, placing the club at the head of a queue that already includes Premier League rivals Everton and West Ham United.
The timing of this interest is particularly interesting given the mixed messages coming out of St. James’ Park lately. Even though the club received a massive windfall from the record-breaking sale of Alexander Isak last summer, Eddie Howe has been remarkably cautious about his January budget.
During a recent press conference ahead of a vital Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven, Howe dropped a bit of a bombshell. He suggested that the club simply does not have the financial freedom to make massive signings right now. He expressed pride in his current group of players, but anyone watching the squad can see that the depth is being tested to its limits.
The most glaring issue is at right-back. Tino Livramento is widely considered a top-tier talent, but a recent injury has sidelined him for approximately eight weeks.
This latest setback is part of a worrying trend of physical struggles for the young defender. While no one at Newcastle doubts his ability on the ball or his tactical intelligence, his reliability over a full season is becoming a major question mark for the coaching staff.
To maintain their push for European qualification, the Magpies need a backup who can match Livramento’s intensity and quality without causing a massive drop-off in performance.
While Newcastle has been linked with players like Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza a graduate of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy Norton-Cuffy represents a very different and perhaps more practical solution.
The 22-year-old Englishman moved to Genoa in the summer of 2024 and has adapted brilliantly to the tactical demands of Serie A. Genoa is reportedly willing to listen to offers in the region of £17 million, a price point that could be seen as a bargain for a player of his ceiling.
Football scouts have described his physical attributes and crossing ability as “insane,” suggesting he has the raw tools to thrive in the high-press system that Eddie Howe favors.
When you look at the numbers from the 2025/26 season, the comparison between Norton-Cuffy and Livramento is quite revealing. Norton-Cuffy has been a mainstay in Italy, clocking up significantly more minutes and showing a high level of defensive industry.
| League Stats 25/26 | Brooke Norton-Cuffy | Tino Livramento |
| Minutes Played | 1,649 | 1,049 |
| Tackles Won | 25 | 14 |
| Assists | 1 | 1 |
| Ball Recoveries | 65 | 68 |
The data shows that Norton-Cuffy is more than capable of handling the defensive workload. He has won nearly double the tackles of Livramento this season, though the latter remains slightly more effective at reading the game for ball recoveries.
Beyond the statistics, Norton-Cuffy offers a strategic advantage that is often overlooked: his homegrown status. As Newcastle looks to compete on multiple fronts, including the Champions League, maintaining a strong contingent of English-trained players is essential for meeting squad registration quotas.
Despite Howe’s recent comments about limited funds, the move for Norton-Cuffy feels like a necessary step for the club’s long-term health. If a deal cannot be struck in the final days of the January window, he is almost certain to remain a priority target for the summer.
The Magpies are in a transitional phase where they must balance high-level performance with financial sustainability. Investing in a 22-year-old with Premier League pedigree and European experience fits that model perfectly.
The injury to Livramento was a wake-up call for the hierarchy. Relying on a single elite player in such a demanding position is a gamble that rarely pays off in the modern game.
By making contact with Genoa now, Newcastle is signaling that they are ready to act the moment the financial shackles are loosened. Whether Norton-Cuffy arrives this week or in a few months, he seems destined to play a major role in the next chapter of the club’s journey.
