Brighton sell Carl Rushworth to Coventry for £22.5m buyback

Brighton & Hove Albion have sold goalkeeper Carl Rushworth to Coventry City in a permanent transfer, but have retained a significant measure of control over the player's future by inserting a buyback clause into the deal. The 25-year-old completed his move on August 4, 2026, returning to the club where he spent a successful loan spell last season.

The transfer fee is understood to be an initial £22.5 million, which could rise to £30 million based on performance-related add-ons. The deal also includes a sell-on clause for Brighton and represents a club-record sale for Coventry. Rushworth has signed a long-term contract with the Sky Blues.

Brighton's sporting director, Mike Cave, acknowledged the club would have preferred to keep Rushworth longer but respected his desire for regular first-team football in the Premier League. He praised the goalkeeper's development during his time at Brighton, stating the club was extremely proud of his progress and wished him luck for the future.

The inclusion of the buyback option was a crucial element for Brighton, which views Rushworth as a potential long-term successor to current first-choice goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. While Verbruggen is...