Juventus monitoring Genoa's Ekhator and Norton-Cuffy in double scouting mission
Juventus are intensifying their scouting of Genoa, with a focus on young striker Emmanuel Ekhator and right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy, according to reports in Italy. The Bianconeri's interest is being driven by director Cristiano Giuntoli, who has deep knowledge of the Genoa squad from his previous role there, and is now tasked with building a squad capable of returning to the top for coach Thiago Motta.
The primary new name on Juventus's internal transfer list is that of Ekhator. The 18-year-old Italian forward, born in 2006, has been introduced to Serie A this season by Genoa, making 26 appearances across all competitions and scoring three goals. His early promise has also earned him a place with the Italy Under-21 national team. Sources suggest Juventus see him as a prospective talent for the future, potentially as part of a long-term plan for the attack, rather than an immediate first-team solution.
For Ekhator, any move would be one for the future. Juventus's current striker plans are reported to revolve around securing Dusan Vlahovic to a new contract and bringing in experienced Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski on a free transfer this summer. The potential acquisition of Ekhator would therefore be a strategic, forward-looking investment, with club figures like Giuntoli and youth sector head Stefano Sbravati, another former Genoa employee, believed to be advocates for the move.
The other key target from Genoa is defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy. The 20-year-old English right-back, currently injured and absent for the recent match against Juventus, was originally brought to Italy by Giuntoli with the idea of a future profitable sale. He is now considered ready for a step up to a top club. Genoa's valuation is said to start at least 20 million euros, and significant competition for his signature could spark a bidding war that might complicate Juventus's pursuit.
In their broader defensive assessments, Juventus have also recently evaluated Genoa's centre-back Leo Ostigard. The 24-year-old Norwegian has made a positive impression in Serie A since his arrival and is viewed as a reliable option who could fit a larger club. His performance in the recent fixture at the Allianz Stadium was seen as a key test in a high-pressure environment. Juventus's activity indicates a clear strategy of leveraging internal knowledge to identify both immediate reinforcements and long-term prospects, with Genoa appearing a fertile hunting ground for both profiles.
