Former Lincoln City loanee Brooke Norton-Cuffy is set to return to English football after Hull City reached a verbal agreement with Genoa for the defender.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the proposed deal is worth €14 million (£12 million). The transfer has not yet been announced by either club, but Romano reports that an agreement has been reached between Hull and Genoa.
Arsenal are also expected to benefit financially from the move. The Gunners included a sell-on clause when Norton-Cuffy left them to join Genoa during the summer of 2024, meaning they should receive a proportion of the money generated by his proposed transfer to Hull.
The development represents a change of direction following previous reports concerning the defender’s future. Everton had been credited with a strong interest in Norton-Cuffy earlier in the summer, while Fulham and Brentford were also linked with him.
Interest from within Italy had included Inter, Juventus and Napoli, reflecting the progress Norton-Cuffy has made since leaving Arsenal. Genoa reportedly rejected an offer worth more than €15 million (£12.8 million) during the January transfer window, but Hull now appear to have secured an agreement at a lower price.
Norton-Cuffy began his youth career with Chelsea before moving into Arsenal’s academy. He signed his first professional contract with the Gunners in January 2021 but did not make a senior appearance for the club.
His introduction to senior football came with Lincoln City during the second half of the 2021/22 season. The right-back arrived at Sincil Bank on loan in January 2022 and made his debut as a substitute against Plymouth Argyle.
Although initially viewed as a player who might require time to adapt, Norton-Cuffy soon became a regular part of Michael Appleton’s side. His physical strength, pace and willingness to carry the ball from right-back made him a popular figure with City supporters.
He scored his first senior goal during our victory over Sheffield Wednesday in March. He made 17 League One appearances during his spell with the Imps before returning to Arsenal. Further loans followed with Rotherham United, Coventry City and Millwall, giving him additional experience in the Championship.
The defender eventually left Arsenal permanently for Genoa in 2024, with the Italian club paying around €2 million (£1.7 million) plus potential bonuses. He subsequently made 41 Serie A appearances, scoring twice and providing one assist.
A move to Hull would bring Norton-Cuffy back to England and complete a significant increase in value since his departure from Arsenal. It would also provide the 22-year-old with another opportunity to establish himself in English football, more than four years after taking his first senior steps with the Imps.
Premier League not Championship….