Coventry City have wasted no time preparing for their return to the Premier League, with the Sky Blues already strengthening Frank Lampard’s squad ahead of their top-flight challenge.
After securing promotion, Coventry have brought in defensive reinforcement Aurèle Amenda from Eintracht Frankfurt, completed a permanent deal for Frank Onyeka, and added attacking talent in the shape of Loum Tchaouna from Burnley.
However, with survival now the priority, further additions are required if Coventry are to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
The club appear determined to back their Premier League ambitions, with a major new arrival now close to being confirmed.
Coventry Agree Club Record Deal for Rushworth
Coventry City are closing in on a historic deal to bring goalkeeper Carl Rushworth back to the club, with the transfer set to become the biggest in their history.
According to The Telegraph, the Sky Blues have agreed an initial £22.5 million fee with Brighton for the 25-year-old, with the total package potentially rising towards £30m through future instalments.
The deal will also include a sell-on clause and a buy-back option for Brighton, with the final details between the two clubs now being finalised. Rushworth is expected to undergo his medical within the next 48 hours before completing his return to the Coventry Building Society Arena.
The goalkeeper enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign on loan at Coventry, playing every league match as Lampard’s side secured promotion to the Premier League as champions.
Rushworth recorded 17 clean sheets throughout the season and claimed the Golden Glove award, becoming one of the standout performers in Coventry’s promotion-winning squad.
The move represents a major investment from Coventry and surpasses the £17m they recently spent on Switzerland defender Aurèle Amenda, making Rushworth the club’s new record signing.
Despite never making a senior appearance for Brighton, Rushworth’s reputation has continued to grow through a series of successful loan spells, and he has previously been described as “really strong” by former Brighton goalkeeping coach Jack Stern.
Now, Coventry believe he can be the long-term solution between the posts as they begin life back among England’s elite.
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