Rangers Looking to Repeat Sima Success With Brighton’s “Fearless” Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth
Glasgow Rangers have mastered the loan market in recent years, using it to bring in high-impact players without breaking the bank. Most recently, the club is seeking a replacement for Vaclav Cerny, who starred on loan during the 2024/25 season with 12 goals and four assists from the right wing. His success followed in the footsteps of previous loan standouts, including Ryan Kent and more notably, Abdallah Sima, whose time at Ibrox remains a glowing example of smart business.
Sima Set the Standard
Rangers hit the jackpot with Abdallah Sima, who joined on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2023. Despite the lack of an option to buy, the deal proved to be a huge success. Sima scored 16 goals and provided 2 assists in 39 appearances, making key contributions in the League Cup campaign—starting and scoring in vital knockout matches.
Even more impressive, the Senegal international netted 11 goals in just 17 Premiership starts, thriving despite injury setbacks and proving to be a reliable attacking force under both Michael Beale and Philippe Clement. All of this, without Rangers paying a transfer fee, made the loan a clear win for the club.
Could Carl Rushworth Be Sima 2.0?
Now, Rangers are looking to Brighton again—this time for goalkeeper Carl Rushworth. According to Football Insider, the club is accelerating talks to secure the 23-year-old on a season-long loan as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of a crucial Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos.
Rushworth, who impressed during his 2023/24 loan at Swansea City, kept goal in all 46 Championship matches and prevented over 4 expected goals (xG) across the season, showcasing his shot-stopping quality. While his more recent loan to Hull City saw limited minutes, that was due to a preference for their permanent starter—not a reflection of his ability.
The report suggests Rangers are keen to replace Jack Butland, who underperformed in the Premiership last season—conceding over 2.2 more goals than expected. Rushworth’s data indicates he could immediately outperform the current No. 1.
A Modern Keeper for Martin’s System
Aside from his shot-stopping, Rushworth’s style of play is well-suited to Russell Martin’s possession-based system. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet, often acting as a sweeper and avoiding long clearances in favour of building from the back.
Former boss Matt Taylor once described him as “fearless,” and his performances at Swansea back up that claim. He’s a left-footed, composed modern keeper who could help Rangers control games from the back—something essential in European fixtures and high-pressure Old Firm clashes.
Another Loan Masterstroke in the Making?
If Rangers can wrap up the Rushworth deal in time, he could become the next loan success story at Ibrox—a “Sima 2.0” in a different position. Young, talented, proven at a high level, and fitting the manager’s tactical blueprint, Rushworth offers the complete package as a potential new No. 1.
Whether or not the move is finalised before the July 17 Champions League squad deadline, this could prove to be one of Rangers’ smartest signings of the summer. If the club can land him, they may once again strike gold by tapping into Brighton’s rich talent pool.
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