Coventry announce long-awaited capture of promotion winner Rushworth

Coventry City have announced the permanent signing of goalkeeper Carl Rushworth from Brighton, after his stellar contribution to the Sky Blues’ promotion-winning campaign. 

Rushworth has reportedly put pen to paper on a five-year deal with Frank Lampard’s side, with the fee believed to be £22.5m, which could rise to £30m including add-ons. 

The 25-year-old first joined Brighton in 2019 but never featured for the first team, instead spending time on loan with the likes of Lincoln City, Swansea City and Hull City. 

But it was at Coventry in 2025-26 where he excelled. He made 46 appearances in the Championship, keeping a division-high 17 clean sheets to scoop the Golden Glove. 

Rushworth’s expected goals against (xGA) figure for the campaign finished at 50.19, though he only conceded 45 goals.

And, according to Opta’s expected goals on target (xGoT) model, Rushworth prevented 8.2 goals, having faced a figure of 52.2 xGoT.

Rushworth is Coventry’s fourth signing ahead of their long-awaited return to the Premier League, and he is relishing the chance of turning out for the Sky Blues in the top flight. 

“I’m really happy, there are so many emotions that I’ve got,” Rushworth told the club’s website. 

“There’s excitement, I can finally relax knowing it’s done and that I’m back with the boys and at a club I loved being at. 

“I’m excited to have this new challenge in the Premier League and to be able to call this place home is a big thing I’ve been looking forward to. 

“I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere at our first home game after 25 years of waiting to play in the Premier League. It’s going to be unbelievable.”

Cov then. Cov now. pic.twitter.com/PW3HgZ4ySh

— Coventry City (@Coventry_City) August 4, 2026

Rushworth’s arrival comes after over three months of negotiations between Coventry and Brighton, with a deal finally struck before their respective campaigns begin. 

“He’s a top professional, a great character, and he had a huge impact on the team to help us get promoted last season,” Coventry boss Lampard said. 

“I’m looking forward to working with him again and welcoming him back into the group.”

Rushworth’s first game in the Premier League could not be any tougher, with champions Arsenal the Sky Blues’ first opponents at the Emirates Stadium on August 21.