According to a recent report by The Daily Mirror, Barcelona are exploring the possibility of acquiring the services of Brighton and Hove Albion goalie Carl Rushworth. It is understood that Barca sent scouts to catch the youngster in action in the Isthmian Premier Division and have been left impressed by the keeper’s potential (via The Daily Mirror).
Carl Rushworth’s Impressive Rise In English Football
Rushworth has earned a lot of praise for his eye-catching performances while on loan at the non-League club, Worthing this season. The 18-year-old joined the Seagulls at an early age from Halifax Town and has since managed to represent Brighton in both the Under-18 and Under-23 levels.
The talented teenager has also been involved in the England Under-19 set-up after being called up for action for England U19s’ Euro qualifiers against Macedonia, Luxembourg and Bosnia and Herzegovina back in November last year. A summer move to Barcelona would sum up Rushworth’s meteoric rise perfectly. However, the goalkeeper might benefit more from staying at Brighton as he will be able to earn more game time for their youth teams.
If the English goalie can continue to improve his skills at the youth level, then there is a possibility that he might be able to earn a few first-team chances for Graham Potter’s first-team. However, the lure of playing for a top club like Barcelona might be too attractive for the youngster to turn down.
Why The Seagulls Must Retain His Services For The Time Being
Quique Setien currently has Marc Andre ter Stegen, Ignacio Pena and Norberto Neto in his squad so it won’t be easy for an inexperienced goalkeeper like Rushworth to make an immediate impression at the Nou Camp. However, if the English keeper is willing to be patient, then he might be rewarded with some chances in the years to come.
Alternatively, if Rushworth chooses to stay at Brighton, he will have a much better shot at staking his claim for a first-team spot at the Amex Stadium. Graham Potter is currently hoping that his side can show enough courage and determination in the face of adversity. The Seagulls are languishing in 15th place and have some season-defining matches against Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Wolves looming on the horizon.
Mathew Ryan has made the goal-keeping spot his own in Potters’ first-team. However, a keeper of Rushworth’s potential could push the Australian keeper for the first-team spot in the coming years. Hence, Brighton need to find a way to retain Rushworth’s services for the time being. He has the ceiling to become a top keeper in the Premier League someday so Potter will be better off keeping him at the Amex for now.
