Amario Cozier-Duberry set to sign new Brighton contract before another Championship loan

Amario Cozier-Duberry, 21, is set to sign a new contract with Brighton & Hove Albion before going out on loan to the Championship. Brighton moved to lock in fresh terms with the winger even though he already had two years left on his existing deal.

Summer interest and Brighton's response

A number of Championship clubs are reportedly interested in taking Cozier-Duberry on loan. Bolton were linked previously and remain a logical destination given his successful season there. West Ham and other clubs have been mentioned in connection with the player in wider coverage, but Brighton's current plan is to keep control of his career path by arranging a loan rather than a permanent move.

Why Brighton are handling it this way

Brighton have opted to extend Cozier-Duberry's contract and pursue another loan for two practical reasons evident in the coverage: his recent form in the Championship improved his value and usefulness, and another productive season at that level would increase his readiness for Brighton's first team and his market value if the club chose to sell later. The club's stance suggests they prefer to develop him through regular minutes away rather than cashing in for a modest fee now.

• Official confirmation: Brighton or the player will need to announce the new contract and any loan destination. Reports point to an agreement having been reached but formal club statements will confirm details.
• Loan destination and role: The chosen Championship club will determine the level of responsibility Cozier-Duberry receives. A repeat of a starting role similar to Bolton would be an indicator of continued progress.
• Performance metrics: Goals, assists, minutes played and position usage will be the concrete measures of whether the loan advances his readiness for Premier League football.

Brighton have chosen to keep Cozier-Duberry in their long-term plans by offering new terms and pursuing another loan move to the Championship. That path follows a productive season at Bolton and comes after the club rejected several offers this summer that they judged too low for a player they expect to develop further.