Bolton Wanderers transfer truth emerges involving Cozier-Duberry | OneFootball

Bolton Wanderers have been linked with a move to bring Amario Cozier-Duberry back to the club

Bolton Wanderers are back in the Championship for the first time since 2016 after winning promotion through the play-offs.

The Whites will be aiming to survive in the second tier and to avoid a relegation battle under Steven Schumacher next season.

The summer transfer window offers the club the chance to strengthen their first team squad for the year ahead.

Bolton have already added Luca Stephenson, Akin Famewo, David Watson and Ben Davies to the side, along with a loan deal for Kyliane Dong.

And now Gaizka Larrazabal has become the latest signing to Schumacher’s side, arriving from Casa Pia as a free agent.

The Championship side likely aren’t done there either, as they have until 1 September to complete any remaining business before the market shuts.

Bolton Wanderers transfer truth emerges in Amario Cozier-Duberry pursuit

Action images

It has been reported by Darren Witcoop that Bolton are facing a losing battle in their bid to bring Amario Cozier-Duberry back to the club.

It’s believed that the Whites are going to struggle to sign the winger, who helped the club win promotion to the Championship last season while on loan from Brighton.

The former Arsenal youngster made 34 appearances in the league, including 30 starts, and contributed eight goals and 11 assists.

Cozier-Duberry also scored in the first leg of their play-off semi-final clash against Bradford City, which they won 1-0 on the night and 2-0 on aggregate.

But he has returned to the Seagulls this summer, and it remains unclear what the next step will be for his career.

The 21-year-old hasn’t been able to break into the Brighton first team squad since joining from Arsenal in 2024, and could depart the club on a permanent basis or as another loan before the market shuts.

But Bolton’s chances of bringing him back to Schumacher’s side are considered slim at the moment, with West Ham linked with a move for the player.

Belgian giants Anderlecht have already had a £5 million bid for Cozier-Duberry rejected, and the Hammers could yet swoop in with a bid of their own.

Cozier-Duberry has a contract with Brighton until June 2028, meaning he could go back out on loan again this season without the risk of him leaving as a free agent next summer.

Bolton begin their Championship campaign on 15 August with a clash against Preston North End.

Action Images

Bolton can’t afford to waste time with Amario Cozier-Duberry pursuit

It would be great business for Bolton to sign Cozier-Duberry again this summer, regardless of whether it's a loan or a permanent deal.

He was crucial to their promotion success, he knows the team well, and he’s likely ready to make the jump back up to the Championship.

However, the Whites can’t afford to spend too much of their time trying to sign him if they know bringing him back is an unlikely move at this stage.

Bolton have done well to bolster their ranks, but more business is needed to build a team capable of competing in the second tier, so getting bogged down in a transfer saga that goes nowhere would be a real waste.