Rangers' £7.5m bid rejected as Brighton hold onto Cozier‑Duberry

Brighton have turned down Rangers' £7.5 million bid for winger Amario Cozier‑Duberry, the 21‑year‑old who logged eight goals and 12 assists in 34 League One games for Bolton last season, earning a place in the League One Team of the Season.

Brighton view Cozier‑Duberry as a valuable attacking option after he featured heavily in pre‑season under manager Fabian Hurzeler. He was an unused substitute in the 1‑0 home win over Bologna, indicating he is in the match‑day squad but still awaiting a breakthrough. With less than two years left on his contract at the Amex Stadium, retaining him preserves squad depth ahead of the next campaign.

Rangers' £7.5 million offer and its place in club history

Rangers' £7.5 million proposal would have been the Scottish Premiership side's second‑highest transfer fee in more than two decades. The only higher recent fee was the £8 million paid for forward Youssef Chermiti last summer, while Michael Ball and Tore Andre Flo fetched larger sums in the early 2000s. The offer arrived as Rangers seek to reinforce their attack after a four‑game winless start to the season.

Championship clubs have also shown interest in a potential loan move for Cozier‑Duberry, adding competition to Rangers' pursuit. Rangers remain among several teams believed to be targeting a permanent signing.

Rangers aim to bolster squad as European hopes dim

Rangers snapped a four‑game winless streak with a 5‑1 Scottish Cup victory over St Mirren on Sunday. They are now out of the Europa League after losing to Jagiellonia Białystok and have dropped into the Conference League play‑offs. New manager Derek McInnes, who arrived from Hearts in the summer, said the squad needs help, particularly in defence and wide areas. “Strengthening defensively, strengthening in wide areas was a priority. But obviously losing a player of Youssef's ability [to an ACL injury], we need to look at that one as well.”

During his loan at Bolton, Cozier‑Duberry contributed eight goals and 12 assists across 34 appearances as the club secured promotion via the League One play‑offs. His performances earned him a spot in the League One Team of the Season.

With his contract at Brighton expiring in under two years, the club must decide whether to extend his deal or risk losing him on a free transfer. Brighton's decision to turn down the £7.5 million bid keeps the 21‑year‑old at the club for now.

If Rangers persist, they may need to increase their offer or explore a loan arrangement, while Championship interest could provide Brighton with alternative options. Fans can Get Rangers news via the club's official channels. The club's announcement was accompanied by a Getty Images photograph showing Cozier‑Duberry in an Arsenal's academy kit, and ImagesImage captures the young winger training at the Amex Stadium.