Wolves claim made on Cozier-Duberry transfer after Middlesbrough exploits | OneFootball

Amario Cozier-Duberry was linked with a potential switch to Molineux this summer

Wolverhampton Wanderers have made a strong start to their first Championship season in eight years under Cesar Peixoto, with the Portuguese certainly getting the best out of his attacking and creative forces.

After finishing rock-bottom of the Premier League last term with just three victories, supporters at Molineux have certainly been entertained by the style brought to the club by their newest head coach.

Even though concerns have been raised over Wolves' defensive performances, only two sides have netted more goals than their tally of 15 from seven games.

The trio of Mateus Mane, Fer Lopez and Rodrigo Gomes have caused plenty of issues for opposition defences behind either Adam Armstrong or returning cult hero, Raul Jimenez.

Throughout Peixoto's first transfer window in the Black Country, a total of 10 new faces were added to his squad as the club seeks an immediate return to the Premier League, with the squad having a nice blend of flair and knowhow.

However, they also opted not to pursue the services of Brighton and Hove Albion winger, Amario Cozier-Duberry, although such circumstances have raised mixed opinions given his own start to life on loan at Middlesbrough.

Mixed Wolves stance given on failed Amario Cozier-Duberry pursuit after early Middlesbrough exploits

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Cozier-Duberry's early career has certainly been one of mixed fortunes, with his spell at the Riverside Stadium his third loan to an EFL side from the Seagulls.

The 21-year-old first struggled to make an impact at Blackburn Rovers in the 2024/25 season with just one goal in 23 outings, before bursting into life at Bolton Wanderers last season, amassing 10 goals and 13 assists in 41 games, even with a period on the sidelines owing to a knee ligament issue.

It was reported that the South Coast side placed a £10m valuation on the winger's head amid interest from Wolves and West Ham United, whilst also rejecting a £7m offer from Rangers.

Cozier-Duberry has since joined Kim Hellberg's side on loan, registering two goals and one assist in his first three Championship games for the club.

As such, Football League World's Wolves fan pundit, Thomas Woodhall, can see either side of the argument as to whether Wolves were either right or wrong to not advance their pursuit.

"I stand by what I previously said about Cozier-Duberry. I think he's class, don't get me wrong," he said.

"What I said originally was that I wasn't sure how well he'd make the step-up to the Championship. So far, he seems to have done that, but it's still early doors.

"If it works for him, then fair play to him and, judging how our 'winger situation' is, I could maybe deem it as a 'wrong opinion' to begin with," Woodhall admitted.

"I still think we should've brought a winger in. If it was Cozier-Duberry or no-one, I would say Cozier-Duberry.

"But, I think the pulling power we have and chose not to use, we could have got someone in with more experience.

"Again, if he ends the season on 15 goals and 10 assists, for example, I am wrong either way," he added.

"He looks the part, looks a good player, and I'm interested in seeing how he keeps going."

Wolves did opt for experience after ending Amario Cozier-Duberry pursuit

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With the aforementioned Gomes clearly Peixoto's preferred starter on the right-wing, backed up by his two goals and as many assists in all competitions so far, there were question marks over depth in this position as the window drew to a close.

However, Wolves clearly opted for the route of experience when sourcing back-up, as Bertrand Traore put pen-to-paper on a one-year deal.

That said, it remains to be seen how much gametime will come the way of the Burkina Faso international, as he only turned out 12 times for Sunderland last season following their return to the Premier League.

Middlesbrough will hope Amario Cozier-Duberry makes Wolves regret transfer decision

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Both Wolves and Middlesbrough have been heavily fancied for promotion to the Premier League this season, with the Teesside outfit also adding the likes of Will Lankshear and Kyle Joseph to their attacking ranks alongside Cozier-Duberry.

Of course, the England youth international is only on loan at the Riverside right now, but if he impresses, a permanent move from the AMEX Stadium could be in the offing further down the line.

It is hard to say whether Cozier-Duberry would have started a spell at Molineux in the same manner, but if he did, then Wanderers could have further developed his potential for many years with a permanent deal.

That said, it is also understandable why not a large amount of transfer regret has been raised thus far.