Rangers have witnessed a fresh twist in their long-standing pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion winger Amario Cozier-Duberry after the Premier League club knocked back an approach worth around £5million.
According to a fresh update from The Athletic, courtesy of their Brighton correspondent Andy Naylor, Belgian side Anderlecht saw their bid rejected by the Albion hierarchy after talks over a deal.
While Brighton maintain publicly that the 21-year-old former Arsenal starlet remains part of Fabian Hurzeler’s first-team plans, Rangers, alongside Augsburg and Paris FC, maintain a concrete interest in securing his services.
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Rangers are interested in the Brighton attacker
How the Cozier-Duberry story has unfolded since May
Rangers’ interest in the exciting wide man is far from new. Naylor first revealed back in May that Cozier-Duberry was prominently placed on the Ibrox recruitment shortlist following a blistering loan spell at Bolton Wanderers, where his 22 goal contributions helped propel the Trotters back to the Championship via play-offs.
- May: Reports emerge linking Rangers alongside AS Monaco, Cercle Brugge, FC Koln, and Schalke following his League One play-off final heroics.
- Early June: Brighton boss Hurzeler reported to be keen to evaluate the player across pre-season before making a decision on his pathway in July.
- Late June: West Ham said to be monitoring the wide man amidst attacking re-tooling.
- July: Anderlecht submit a £5m package which is rejected by Brighton, while talks over a contract extension continue.
Why Rangers want him: Profile fit, player stance and the £5m+ reality
While Brighton’s public narrative points toward a contract extension beyond 2028, and first-team integration, a closer inspection of the situation suggests a deal remains viable for suitors willing to meet Albion’s terms.
1. The perfect tactical profile for the Gers
Cozier-Duberry represents the exact archetype Rangers are desperate for on their right flank: a dynamic, naturally left-footed winger who thrives when cutting inside onto his stronger foot.
His explosive 1v1 dribbling, ability to collapse defensive blocks, and elite final-third output (9 goals, 13 assists) make him a tailor-made fit for Scottish Premiership football.
It is evident that the Ibrox outfit will target a right wide man after finalising the signing of Vanja Dragojevic from FK Partizan, and there is no better time to step up interest in the London-born attacker.
2. Why the player wants clarity
After tasting a full season of senior football and establishing himself as a key protagonist at Bolton, Cozier-Duberry is at a crucial career juncture.
Sitting on Brighton’s bench as a third or fourth-choice rotation option will not appeal to a player who needs consistent minutes to build on his momentum.
The delay over a contract renewal likely stems directly from a desire for guaranteed playing time – something Derek McInnes can offer domestically and in European competition.
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3. Brighton’s negotiation strategy
Brighton are masters of asset management. By pushing the narrative that contract negotiations are ongoing and framing Cozier-Duberry as part of Hurzeler’s squad, the Seagulls are actively driving up market value.
Should they ultimately decide to sell, this stance ensures they command maximum leverage – either driving the fee beyond the £5m mark or guaranteeing substantial future sell-on clauses and buy-back options.
The transfer verdict: A permanent deal is difficult but entirely doable. If Rangers are prepared to structure a package exceeding £5m with lucrative add-ons or a sell-on clause, Brighton’s stance could be tested before the transfer window slams shut.
