Middlesbrough are closing in on the loan signing of Brighton & Hove Albion winger Amario Cozier-Duberry. Sky Sports reported this week that the Championship club is nearing a temporary deal for the 20-year-old, with space in the squad being created by the sale of Morgan Whittaker to Colorado Rapids.
Cozier-Duberry is a product of Arsenal's academy, having moved to Brighton in 2024. His most recent loan spell was a successful one at Bolton Wanderers last season, where he helped secure promotion from League One with 8 goals and 11 assists across all competitions. His performances there have attracted interest from several Championship sides, but Middlesbrough now appear to be in pole position.
Where does Cozier-Duberry fit in the squad?
The young winger would add direct pace and dribbling ability to Middlesbrough's attacking options. His primary position is on the right wing, an area where the team has sought more consistent output. The move is seen as part of Boro's push for promotion back to the Premier League this season. The club currently sits 8th in the Championship table, just two points off the playoff places, as shown in the latest standings.
His former academy coach at Arsenal, Jack Wilshere, once highlighted his potential. "Amario is very exciting and Mikel [Arteta] likes him," Wilshere told reporters. "He reminds me of Bukayo Saka, plays in the same position as him, needs to get better with his decision-making like Bukayo did, but he's definitely exciting."
Why is Morgan Whittaker leaving?
Morgan Whittaker's departure to MLS side Colorado Rapids has been agreed, help the incoming move. The 25-year-old forward joined Middlesbrough in January 2025 for a reported fee of £4.5 million but struggled to nail down a regular starting role. He was linked with a move to West Ham United earlier in the transfer window, but a deal with the American club has now been finalised. This represents the first overseas move of Whittaker's career.
Whittaker's exit follows a pattern of activity in the attacking department. The club's current squad list shows several options in wide areas, but Cozier-Duberry's profile offers a different threat. His arrival would be the third signing of the summer transfer window, following the earlier acquisitions of a central defender and a holding midfielder.
What does the data say about Boro's attack?
Integrating a new creative player could address a specific need. Last season, Middlesbrough's 68 league goals were the fourth-highest in the Championship, but their chance creation from wide areas was inconsistent. The team's upcoming fixtures include a tough away match against league leaders Leeds United next Saturday, a game where additional attacking impetus could be vital.
| Player | Position | 2025/26 Club | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amario Cozier-Duberry | RW | Bolton (Loan) | 8 | 11 |
| Morgan Whittaker | FW/RW | Middlesbrough | 4 | 3 |
| Isaiah Jones | RW | Middlesbrough | 6 | 9 |
Cozier-Duberry is under contract with Brighton until the summer of 2028, meaning this loan move is primarily for first-team experience. Middlesbrough's next Championship fixture is at Elland Road on September 12th.
