NafisaLeeds United appear to have received a significant boost in their search for a new goalkeeper after Brighton effectively opened the door for Carl Rushworth to leave this summer.
Daniel Farke is eager to strengthen his squad ahead of the club’s Premier League campaign, with Leeds already making an eye-catching statement in the transfer market through the arrivals of Harry Wilson and £43million defender Tarik Muharemovic. However, finding a reliable goalkeeper has become one of the club’s biggest priorities following Karl Darlow’s departure.
Now, developments surrounding Rushworth have sparked fresh excitement among the Elland Road faithful.
According to recent reports, Brighton have begun offering the former England Under-21 international to several clubs, including Leeds United, as they prepare for his departure after he made it clear he does not intend to commit his long-term future to the Seagulls.
The biggest indication yet that Rushworth’s time at Brighton is coming to an end has come from the player himself.
The highly-rated goalkeeper has reportedly decided against signing a new contract at the Amex Stadium, knowing first-team opportunities remain limited with Bart Verbruggen firmly established as Brighton’s first-choice goalkeeper.
That decision has now been followed by Brighton’s own response.
Reports claim the Premier League side have started actively offering Rushworth to interested clubs rather than risk seeing his value diminish as he moves closer to the end of his contract.
Leeds are understood to be among the clubs monitoring the situation closely.
Rushworth enhanced his reputation during a successful loan spell at Coventry City, helping the Sky Blues secure promotion while producing a series of impressive performances. Despite his lack of opportunities at Brighton, he remains highly regarded within English football.
For Leeds, the timing could hardly be better.
Lucas Perri has been linked with a move away, leaving Daniel Farke needing greater competition between the posts before the new campaign begins.
Rushworth is viewed as one possible solution, although Leeds continue to keep Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford at the very top of their wishlist.
Trafford’s future is expected to become clearer now that England’s World Cup campaign has concluded, with Leeds prepared to wait if there is a realistic opportunity to bring the current England international to Elland Road.
Even so, Rushworth’s situation is rapidly gathering pace.
With the player signalling his desire to leave Brighton and the Seagulls now actively presenting him to interested clubs, Leeds have been handed a genuine opportunity to move if they decide he is the right man to solve their goalkeeping dilemma.
Whether Farke opts to pursue Rushworth immediately or continues waiting for Trafford, one thing is becoming increasingly clear — Brighton have effectively confirmed Carl Rushworth’s exit is now only a matter of time.
Nafisa
