Coventry must prioritise Carl Rushworth transfer as Brighton consider summer sale
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Credit: Imago Wed 25 March 2026 15:00, UK Coventry City must accelerate plans to sign Carl Rushworth permanently before the season ends as Brighton look to cash in on his services this summer.Coventry are sitting nine points clear at the top of the Championship ahead of the international break, with an 11-point gap to third-placed Ipswich.Frank Lampard’s side have won seven of their last eight games, with automatic promotion on the horizon as long as they don’t suffer an unprecedented fall-off in the final seven matches of the season.Brighton loanee goalkeeper Rushworth has been an imperative part of their success so far this term, with starts in all 39 of their league games up to now.He has furthered his reputation as one of the best stoppers in the EFL while at the CBS Arena, and sealing his permanent signature has to be top of the transfer agenda for the Sky Blues after a new development.Brighton are open to Carl Rushworth sale – Coventry must do all they can to sign himRushworth was no stranger to the second tier before joining Coventry on loan from the Seagulls last summer, having spent time at Swansea City and Hull City in the previous two seasons. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Those experiences have clearly set him up to shine this term, as he has consistently performed between the sticks and emerged as one of the best, if not the best, goalkeeper in the Championship in 2025-26.Appearances (Championship goalkeeper rank)39 (1st=)Goals conceded per 901 (2nd=)Clean sheets14 (1st)Save percentage73.7% (3rd)xG prevented6.90 (1st)Accurate passes per 9024.2 (4th=)Chances created6 (1st)Assists1 (1st=)Rushworth’s 2025-26 Championship statisticsHis long passing has been key to the Sky Blues’ quick attacking style, while the stats above show that he has been one of the best shot-stoppers in the division too.Lampard would undoubtedly like to hold on to him for next term, and Football Insider have exclusively revealed this week that Brighton are open to selling Rushworth this summer.Bart Verbruggen is set to remain as their number one for next term, but the 24-year-old wants to continue playing regular games, and this is their last chance to cash in as he approaches the final year of his contract.Several Premier League teams are believed to be keeping tabs on Rushworth’s progress, so Coventry must accelerate plans to sign him permanently now that they seem nearly home and dry regarding promotion.He has already adorned himself to Sky Blues’ fans and clearly likes working under Lampard, who will surely trust him to do a job in the top flight, so it seems a no-brainer, especially if Brighton are open to selling for a cut-price fee.What has Lampard said about Rushworth’s ability?There is no question that Lampard would like Rushworth to stay at Coventry beyond the end of this term, even if he has not said it publicly to avoid heightening rumours.The Chelsea legend has delivered glowing praise of the young keeper over the last few months, recently saying: “He’s a high, high talented player, (Rushworth), and he can go as far as he wants.”Rushworth himself recently admitted that he has “fallen in love with the club and Coventry,” and “it’s hard to see many negatives” about his loan spell so far.It certainly seems like there is a willingness from both parties to get a permanent deal over the line this summer, and Coventry’s chiefs need to make signing the 24-year-old their number one transfer priority in the coming months. 🔵 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Brighton Insider Access Get the full story from the Amex and Lancing with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the South Coast.