Key Points
- Amario Cozier-Duberry will spend pre-season with Brighton, according to the report, but a return to Bolton Wanderers has not been completely ruled out.
- Bolton head coach Steven Schumacher remains open to the idea of Cozier-Duberry coming back, even though his immediate summer plans are with his parent club Brighton.
- Cozier-Duberry spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Bolton from Brighton and Hove Albion.
- Bolton had previously signed him on a season-long loan in July 2025, and the move was announced as a major addition to Schumacher’s squad.
- The winger has already had an injury-hit spell during his Bolton loan, with Schumacher earlier confirming a knee ligament problem that sidelined him for eight to ten weeks.
- Earlier in the season, Schumacher also said Cozier-Duberry could return before the end of the campaign if rehabilitation went to plan.
- The Bolton News article on this latest update is not fully accessible here, so the summary below is based on the available reporting from Bolton Wanderers, BBC Sport and other published coverage.
Bolton (Bolton Today) July 10, 2026 - Steven Schumacher has left the door open for Amario Cozier-Duberry to return to Bolton Wanderers, even though the Brighton winger is expected to begin pre-season with his parent club. The latest update adds another layer to a player whose time at the Toughsheet Community Stadium has already been shaped by strong performances, injury setbacks and ongoing uncertainty over his long-term future.
What is the latest on Cozier-Duberry?
As reported by Bolton Wanderers in July 2025, Cozier-Duberry joined the club on a season-long loan from Brighton and Hove Albion and was expected to link up with the first-team squad on a pre-season trip to Marbella. BBC Sport later reported that he was one of Bolton’s key attacking loans and that his form drew attention because of the contribution he made in the league.
The current update suggests Brighton will oversee his pre-season preparations first, but Schumacher has not closed the possibility of another spell at Bolton. That makes the situation fluid rather than final, with the winger’s next step likely to depend on Brighton’s planning and Bolton’s own squad needs.
Why is Brighton involved?
Cozier-Duberry is Brighton’s player, so any decision about his immediate future must involve the Premier League club. Brighton signed him after his Arsenal contract expired, with the move presented as part of the club’s youth-focused recruitment approach.
The available reporting shows Brighton have continued to monitor his development closely, especially during his time on loan at Bolton. That is why the pre-season period matters: it gives Brighton a chance to assess him directly before deciding whether another loan, a squad role or another move makes most sense.
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How has his Bolton spell gone?
Cozier-Duberry made a strong impression at Bolton, and BBC Sport reported that he was involved in all four goals against Port Vale in one standout performance. His loan spell was then disrupted by injury, with Schumacher confirming a knee ligament tear that kept him out for around eight to ten weeks.
Despite that setback, Schumacher later said the winger was on course to return before the end of the season if rehabilitation went according to plan. That context helps explain why his status remains a live issue: Bolton have seen enough quality to want clarity, while Brighton still control the long-term decision.
What did Schumacher mean?
Schumacher’s stance appears to be pragmatic rather than sentimental. He is allowing for the possibility of a return, but he is not presenting it as guaranteed, which keeps expectations realistic for both the club and the player.
In football terms, that usually means Bolton would like to keep a proven young attacker if the opportunity arises, but they are waiting for Brighton’s assessment first. The phrase “not completely ruled out” suggests the door remains open, even if the next move is not in Bolton’s hands.
What happens next?
The next stage is likely to come during Brighton’s pre-season assessment of Cozier-Duberry. If he impresses, Brighton may keep him in their plans or look at another loan arrangement, while Bolton would remain interested if a deal became possible.
For now, the important point is that his future is unresolved rather than settled. Schumacher’s latest position keeps Bolton in the conversation, but Brighton will shape the final decision.