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

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 deal comes after more than three months of negotiations between Coventry and Brighton before an agreement was finally struck ahead of the respective campaigns beginning.

A Star Performer in the Championship

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 the 2025-26 season where he truly excelled.

He made 46 appearances in the Championship, keeping a division-high 17 clean sheets to scoop the Golden Glove award. Rushworth's expected goals against (xGA) figure for the campaign finished at 50.19, though he only conceded 45 goals. According to Opta's expected goals on target (xGoT) model, Rushworth prevented 8.2 goals, having faced a figure of 52.2 xGoT — underlining his reputation as one of the most effective shot-stoppers in the division.

'I Can Finally Relax'

Rushworth is Coventry's fourth signing ahead of their long-awaited return to the Premier League after a 25-year absence, 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."

Lampard Praises 'Top Professional'

Coventry boss Frank Lampard was full of praise for his returning goalkeeper, highlighting both his character and on-pitch contribution.

"He's a top professional, a great character, and he had a huge impact on the team to help us get promoted last season," Lampard said. "I'm looking forward to working with him again and welcoming him back into the group."

Rushworth's first test in the Premier League could hardly be tougher, with reigning champions Arsenal awaiting as the Sky Blues' first opponents at the Emirates Stadium on August 21.