Fabian Hürzeler has singled out returning Brighton loanees Ibrahim Osman and Amario Cozier-Duberry as the standouts of pre-season, with both wingers pushing for a first-team role as the Albion build depth for their return to Europe. The head coach was speaking from the Seagulls’ training camp in Austria, where the pair are in line to feature in Saturday’s friendly against Strasbourg.
Why the Brighton loanees matter
Both spent last season sharpening their game in the EFL. Cozier-Duberry helped Bolton Wanderers win promotion from League One through the play-offs, while Osman made a strong impression at Birmingham City in the Championship. The Argus reports that both are wanted again by their loan clubs — and, in Cozier-Duberry’s case, by sides in Europe — but Hürzeler wants a longer look first. With a Conference League play-off swelling the fixture list, the manager has been open about needing a bigger squad than last term, and Facundo Buonanotte and Eiran Cashin are among the other returnees back in the fold.
Hürzeler told The Argus:
So just talking about Osman, about Amario, they had a very impactful pre-season so far. They are not only good players, they also integrate really well into the group. They do their job, they listen, they try to develop, they want to improve.
Kaoru Mitoma remains sidelined by a hamstring injury, according to The Argus, leaving room in the wide areas that the returning duo are eager to fill. Strasbourg offers their latest audition before Brighton’s return to Europe gets serious.
