That is the view of U’s head coach Danny Cowley, who says he respects the pair’s situation after they were offered new deals by the club.
Cooper and Kazeem, who is currently on loan at Galway United, are two of four out-of-contract players offered fresh terms by Colchester at the end of last season.
The U’s are still waiting for decisions from the young pair, along with Cameron McGeehan and Noah Chilvers.
Cowley said: “Offers went out to both young players.
“I think both players have really good potential and have different qualities.
“Al-Amin has wonderful athleticism and pace to burn.
“The loan in Ireland has been really good for him and given him regular game time.
“Sometimes, the game has to be your teacher and I think that was what was needed for Al.
“Chay has different skillsets but a brilliant technician in the final third, in terms of goals and assists.
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“We’ve made offers to both young players and we’ll see how that unfolds.
“They have to make good decisions for their career as well and we totally respect that.”
Cooper has made 21 league and cup appearances for Colchester since joining them in September, 2021.
The 22-year-old attacker played 15 times for the U’s first team last season but is yet to play under the Cowleys and spent part of the second half of the 2023-24 campaign on loan at National League side, Hartlepool United.
Kazeem is currently on loan at Galway United.
The 22-year-old left-back has played 19 times for the League of Ireland club.
Kazeem came through the academy ranks at Colchester and made his senior debut for them under Wayne Brown in August 2022, when he helped them claim a memorable 1-0 win at neighbours Ipswich Town, in the Carabao Cup.
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He has gone onto make 38 league and cup appearances for the U’s.
Colchester’s first-team squad report back for pre-season training at Florence Park on July 1.
The new League Two season gets underway on August 10, with the fixtures released on Wednesday.
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