'Exciting' player makes decision on future after Rangers, West Ham United and Wolves transfer interest
Winger had attracted interest from clubs all over the UK
‘Exciting’ Rangers transfer target Amario Cozier-Duberry has completed his season-long loan switch from Brighton to Middlesbrough.
The 21-year old winger had also been looked at by fellow EFL Championship sides West Ham and Wolves but Boro’ have beaten them to the punch. Before the loan move was finalised he signed a new contract at the Amex, keeping him with at the Premier League side until 2029. Cozier-Duberry caught the eye of Rangers and co after a successful short-term spell at Bolton Wanderers last season, where his 19 goal contributions helped them earn promotion from League One.
Rangers boss Derek McInnes has made no secret that wingers were a transfer priority of his. In turn, the Light Blues reportedly tabled rejected bids of £6m and £7.5m for Cozier-Duberry. The winger will join Rangers midfielder Connor Barron on Teesside after he also joined on loan.
Middlesbrough announce loan signing of ‘exciting’ Cozier-Duberry
A club statement from the Riverside read: “Exciting forward Amario Cozier-Duberry has joined Boro on a season-long loan from Brighton & Hove Albion. The 21-year-old arrives fresh from a breakout campaign with Bolton Wanderers, who he helped to promotion to the Sky Bet Championship last term.
”Cozier-Duberry's deadline day move makes him Boro's 11th signing of a busy summer window, after the Teessiders beat off competition from a host of other clubs for his signature. The forward now bolsters Kim Hellberg's attacking options after completing his move to Teesside.”
The North East side are on the hunt for promotion after agonisingly missing out to Hull City in the Play-offs last season. Cozier-Duberry will now provide competition for places on the right wing alongside another failed former Rangers transfer target Morgan Whittaker.
Brighton on winger departure
While not part of the first-team picture, Cozier-Duberry featured in their Conference League play-off against Tromso in what was his first and only appearance for the Seagulls. He joined the south coast club after five years in the academy at Premier League champions Arsenal. Brighton Sporting Director Mike Cave sees a lot of potential in the Englishman and is happy he can continue his development in the second tier.
He said: “Amario had an excellent year with Bolton Wanderers last season and was one of the standout players in the league helping them to promotion. He’s had a very good pre-season with the first-team, that alongside his form last season meant there was significant interest in signing him on loan this season.“That interest and his new contract is a reflection of his attitude, ability and hard work; now we look forward to watching him continue his progress in the Championship this season.”
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