Steven Schumacher breaks silence on Amario Cozier-Duberry to Bolton Wanderers talk | OneFootball

Steven Schumacher has discussed the possibility of bringing Amario Cozier-Duberry back to the club

Steven Schumacher has claimed that he would love to bring Amario Cozier-Duberry back to Bolton Wanderers this summer.

The Brighton winger spent last season on loan with the Whites, and was an instrumental part in helping the club gain promotion through the play-offs.

The 21-year-old contributed eight goals and 11 assists to help the team finish fifth in the League One table.

The forward then scored in the 1-0 first leg win over Bradford City in the semi-finals of the play-offs, which helped secure their trip to Wembley.

But he has since returned to the Amex Stadium, where it remains to be seen what the future holds amid speculation over his future.

Cozier-Duberry is currently taking part in pre-season with Fabian Hurzeler’s squad, but the transfer market remains open until 1 September.

Steven Schumacher outlines Amario Cozier-Duberry transfer situation

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Schumacher has claimed that he would love to bring Cozier-Duberry back to Bolton for the next season following their promotion to the Championship.

However, he’s suggested any deal will have to wait until late in the window, as he is currently trying to earn his way into the Brighton squad for the year ahead, and any decision on his future won’t be made just yet.

"What a really good player and what an unbelievable person as well.

"I spoke to Amario a few weeks ago before he went back to pre-season with Brighton and I wish them all the best.

"And his plan at this moment in time is to try and get a Brighton squad.

"Now, whether that materialises, whether he does really well in the pre-season for them, whether they don't see his pathway to be with them this season, I'm not sure.

"But if you ask me, would I like Amario back? Absolutely.

"Whether we can make that happen or not, who knows?"

Cozier-Duberry signed for Brighton in 2024, but has yet to break into their first team plans after arriving from the Arsenal academy system.

The winger initially went out on loan to Blackburn Rovers, where he scored one goal from 22 league appearances before signing for Bolton last summer.

The 21-year-old was linked with a move to West Ham earlier this summer, but a move has not materialised.

Jarrod Bowen is set to remain at the London Stadium, which has likely played a role in their interest cooling in recent weeks.

However, Brighton reportedly rejected a £5 million offer from Anderlecht for the winger.

Bolton’s transfer business so far

Bolton are aiming to build a side ready to compete in the Championship next season, as they set their sights on surviving in the division long-term.

Schumacher’s side have already seen six new additions since the transfer window opened, including deals to sign Luca Stephenson from Liverpool and Akin Famewo from Hull City.

Ben Davies, Gaizka Larrazabal and David Watson all joined as free agents, with Kyliane Dong arriving on loan from Augsburg.

Bolton will begin their league campaign with a home clash against Preston North End on 15 August in a 3pm kick-off.

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Amario Cozier-Duberry signing would be huge for Bolton

Cozier-Duberry struggled when he last competed in the Championship, but his loan spell with Bolton last year has prepared him for that jump back up.

It’s possible that he will have a role to play for Brighton this season, particularly because they do have to juggle European football, but it’s difficult to see him having a major role.

If the Seagulls opt to loan him out again, then a move back to the Whites would be a smart move for all parties as he already knows the club and can settle back in quite quickly.

Schumacher will want additions between now and the first game, but it would be worth the wait if they can seal a deal for Cozier-Duberry in the final week or two of the window.