Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Carl Rushworth has joined Coventry City in a permanent deal worth £22.5 million – and up to £30 million with add-ons.
The 25-year-old spent last season with the Sky Blues as they won promotion to the top flight under Frank Lampard.
The 6ft 2in keeper made 46 appearances in the Championship and kept 17 clean sheets, earning him a “long-term” deal with City.
Albion said: “Carl Rushworth has completed a permanent transfer to Coventry City for undisclosed terms.
“The goalkeeper joined us from Halifax Town in 2019 and spent last season on loan with the Sky Blues as they won promotion from the Championship.”
Albion sporting director Mike Cave said: “Carl had an excellent 2025-26 season and both he and Coventry were keen to make the move permanent.
“While we would have liked to keep Carl with the Club for longer, we respect his decision to secure regular first-team football in the Premier League with Coventry.
“We’re extremely proud of the development and progress Carl has made during his time at the club. We wish him the best of luck for the future.”
Since joining from Halifax, his hometown club, Rushworth has made three appearances for Albion’s Under-21s but has never played for the first team.
Albion said: “After joining Brighton from the Shaymen, the 25-year-old spent time out on loan with Worthing, Walsall, Lincoln City, Swansea City, Hull City and the Sky Blues, making 189 professional appearances.
“He made his England Under-21 debut in 2023.”
Rushworth said: “I’m really happy. There’s so many emotions that I’ve got. 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.
“To see the love from the fans and to know I can now get back to playing in front of them – and to get a few pre-season games in – is really exciting.
“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.”
Lampard said: “It’s great to have Carl back with us on a permanent basis. He’s a top professional, a great character and he had a huge impact on the team to help us get promoted last season.”
