Newcastle United have heavily scouted Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, who is on loan at Coventry City
Ross Gregory Head of North East Sport and Andy Turner Coventry City reporter
17:05, 09 Apr 2026
Carl Rushworth of Coventry City
Newcastle United’s hunt for a new goalkeeper this summer has seen them dive into the Championship again to take a look at one of the EFL’s best performers.
This time, it’s Carl Rushworth who is on the radar. Having previously scouted James Trafford during his time at Burnley – and at various stages looked to have tied a deal up for him – the United recruitment team have returned to the second tier to watch Coventry City’s star man as he helps guide them to promotion.
Rushworth, on loan at Coventry from Brighton, has emerged as one of the best prospects outside of the Premier League and his performances have taken the Sky Blues to the top of the Championship. With Newcastle on the lookout for a new goalkeeper this summer, amid doubts over the futures of Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale and on-loan man Odysseas Vlachodimos, they appear keen on the 6ft 2in shotstopper.
We spoke with Coventry Live’s reporter Andy Turner to get the lowdown on Rushworth.
How has Rushworth performed this season?
Turner: Brilliantly. He’s provided the solid foundations for Coventry City’s promotion winning season, instilling confidence to the back four with consistently high level performances. He’s kept 15 clean sheets to date and is in line to win the Golden Glove for the division.
What are his best attributes?
Turner: He’s an all-rounder but the one standout attribute that Coventry had been missing was a goalkeeper who could command his box and take high balls in the air, and Rushworth does this very well.
But he’s also an impressive shot stopper, good with his feet and comfortable as the modern day sweeper keeper who comes out of his area, able to pick out a pass and kick long when required.
Will Coventry look to buy him permanently in the summer?
Turner: They already tried to buy him last summer but Brighton wouldn’t entertain their bid of around £6m, valuing him at nearer £10m. After the season he has had his stock will have risen considerably and it’s understood Albion would now be looking for between £15m-£20m.
Frank Lampard rates him very highly and the player has admitted that he loves the club and could see himself with the Sky Blues on a permanent basis. However, there are a lot of moving parts to any potential move, not least the fact that Brighton appear to hold most of the cards.
Their current first choice Bart Verbruggen has been linked with a number of other clubs and valued at around £50m. If they cash in, as looks likely, Rushworth is arguably a ready-made replacement and, therefore, the Sky Blues may have to look elsewhere.
Bottom line, Rushworth wants regular first team football at the highest level.
How good is he? Can he make the step up to Premier League?
Turner: He’s destined for the top. Coventry fans routinely sing ‘England’s number one, England’s, England’s number one’ during games, and Frank Lampard is convinced he has a bright future ahead for both club and country.
He said of him recently: “His decision making, his kicking and his levels of performance have been outstanding and only growing now. He’s an easy maintenance player, just really professional.
“He’s a high, high talented goalkeeper, Rushy, and he can go as far as he wants to go.”
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