Coventry City are increasingly confident of securing a permanent transfer for Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, with negotiations between the two clubs continuing, according to TEAMtalk. The Championship club view signing the 25-year-old as a priority this summer following a successful loan spell at the CBS Arena last season.
Rushworth impressed during his time with Coventry, establishing himself as a key player under manager Mark Robins. Brighton recently exercised an option to extend Rushworth’s contract by a year, strengthening their position in negotiations, but this has not derailed Coventry’s pursuit.
The ongoing discussions are now focused on the finer details of the deal, specifically Brighton’s desire to include protective clauses. TEAMtalk reports these include a buy-back clause and a substantial sell-on percentage, reflecting the Seagulls’ high opinion of the young goalkeeper and their intention to benefit from any future increase in his value.
Rushworth is reportedly keen to return to Coventry, viewing the club as the ideal environment to continue his development as a first-choice goalkeeper. Despite interest from Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Leeds United, who both made enquiries about his availability, Coventry believe their existing relationship with both the player and Brighton gives them a significant advantage in completing the transfer.
Brighton currently anticipate Bart Verbruggen will remain their first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming season, despite reported interest from clubs like Bayern Munich. With Verbruggen expected to stay and progress being made in talks with Coventry, there is growing optimism that Rushworth’s future will be resolved shortly. All parties involved remain confident an agreement can be reached, balancing Brighton’s need to protect their investment with Coventry’s desire for a permanent signing.
