Why Newcastle United transfer target snubbed Tyneside move in favour of Premier League rivals
Newcastle United transfer target Amario Cozier-Duberry has snubbed a move to Tyneside.
The former Arsenal youngster, a star of the club’s under-21 side last season, saw his contract at the Emirates come to an end - and while much of the Premier League was interested in taking the wide player, who has been likened to England star Bukayo Saka, Cozier-Duberry has penned a deal at Brighton & Hove Albion.
It comes as a minor blow to the Magpies’ youth recruitment strategy, with an overhaul of the club’s underperforming youth teams well underway. The signing of the 19-year-old, much like that of ex-Man City kid Alfie Harrison, would have represented quite the coup for United.
However, Cozier-Duberry was, on Sunday, announced as a Seagulls’ player - and according to social media transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the reason he chose the south coast, over the likes of the Magpies, is clear.
Romano said: “#BHAFC beat several PL and European clubs to the free signing as they offered clear pathway.”
So, if Romano is to be believed, the player opted for Brighton as he is more likely to be involved with the first-team sooner than he would elsewhere.
It’s been reported that the young forward left the Gunners due to the fact his pathway to their first-team was blocked. The player did not make a single senior appearance for Arsenal.
Confirming the signing, Albion’s technical director David Weir said: “We’re really pleased to be able to bring Amario to the club. He’s got attributes we like and we believe he is a player who can flourish in our environment.
“We’re looking forward to working with him and helping his career to progress.”
The Magpies have been aggressive in their youth recruitment policy again this summer, capturing the signings of Chukwudi Afumuzor from Portsmouth as well as former Chelsea and West Ham United youth Ezra Tika-Lemba.