It would be safe to say that Brighton & Hove Albion have one of the best scouting departments in world football. We have seen several of their players make big-money moves in recent times. And some have even failed with the Seagulls but have succeeded elsewhere, proving that the talent was always there. Now, Newcastle United seem to have their eyes in the direction of Amex Stadium.
Newcastle United will be looking to strengthen in several positions across the pitch this summer. There might be a need to strengthen between the posts as well.
Nick Pope, now 34 years of age and with less than a year left on his contract, is expected to leave. Ipswich Town are believed to be keen to sign him. Of course, that would leave a void at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United have already signed one goalkeeper this summer in the form of Ewen Jaouen. But now, it looks like they have one of Brighton’s goalkeepers on their radar as well.
Newcastle United want to sign Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper
This summer, there seems to be a trend of clubs signing goalkeepers who have performed well in the lower divisions. The Magpies have already done that once with Jaouen. Now, they could be about to repeat the trick.
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are in talks over Carl Rushworth. He was on loan at Coventry City last season and they have already had two offers over £20 million rejected for the 25-year-old.
Rushworth is keen to carry on playing regular first-team football. As a result, a move away from Brighton & Hove Albion looks like the most logical next step.
It would take a transfer fee north of £20 million. Now, it remains to be seen if Newcastle United make a serious push to bring him in or not.
Who is Carl Rushworth?
Rushworth is 25 years of age and was signed by Brighton & Hove Albion back in 2019, before ever breaking into the senior game. Since then, he has spent time playing in the lower leagues of English football.
The previous three seasons, he has spent in the second division. The latest of those stints came at Coventry City, who won the Championship under Frank Lampard’s watch with Rushworth as the starting goalkeeper.
So, Rushworth has proven that he can play in a winning team. And to be honest, he was elite in pretty much every department while at Coventry City.
He had more clean sheets, goal preventions, successful passes, assists, chances created and expected assists than any other goalkeeper in the Championship. So, he is good with his shot-stopping as well as his distribution. He was also in the 91st percentile when it comes to high claims.
If that can convert to the Premier League then Newcastle United would have a fantastic goalkeeper on their hands. So, this might be the kind of move that goes under the radar but proves to be a masterstroke in the long run. Of course, it all depends on pulling it off.