By Paul Jones
New Swansea City signing Carl Rushworth insists he was ready for the step up to the Championship after he joined the club, alongside striker Mykola Kukharevych.
Brighton goalkeeper Rushworth has moved on a season-long loan, following his loan spell at League One side Lincoln City last season, where he played 46 games.
Kukharevych has moved on a permanent deal from French club Troyes for an undisclosed fee.
The 22-year-old Ukrainian has signed an initial three-year deal with an option for an additional year.
Kukharevych spent the last season on loan at Scottish Premiership club Hibernian, and his performances have convinced Swansea of his potential.
Swansea head coach Michael Duff is also close to finalising a loan deal for Newcastle right-back Harrison Ashby for the 2023-24 season.
Swansea City have announced the loan signing of Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Carl Rushworth ⚽️
Thoughts, Swans fans? 🤔#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/PTx5EdCHyE
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) July 31, 2023
The 21-year-old is yet to feature for Newcastle since his transfer from West Ham for £3m in January.
Rushworth will initially compete for game-time with Andy Fisher, while the club’s other senior goalkeeper, Steven Benda, is expected to be sidelined until early 2024 due to a knee injury suffered last January.
Rushworth will have the opportunity to work with England goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson, who recently returned to Swansea for a second spell.
The young goalkeeper made his England Under-21s debut in June 2023 and was part of the squad that triumphed in the European Under-21 Championship.
“I’m buzzing to get it done,” said Rushworth.
“After speaking with Marge I just wanted to be here and get in the building,” he added.
“I think it’s the perfect club for my progression. I think taking the next step up into the Championship is what I needed.
Mykola Kukharevych will join Swansea City on a permanent basis from Ligue 2 side Troyes, not on a loan deal like Carl Rushworth or Harrison Ashby. pic.twitter.com/D5hFBX8Yuj
— Jordan (@JordanWebber96) July 31, 2023
After speaking with Marge from the start, with the experience he’s got and the amount of games I hope to play this season, it’s a no-brainer really.
“There’re so many positives it would be foolish of me to turn it down.
“For me to be in Marge’s eyeline every single day, he’ll be giving me all the advice he can give me.
“I think it’s going to be very beneficial for my career as well to have the England senior goalkeeping coach working with me.”
Rushworth began his career at Halifax Town, his hometown club, before moving to Brighton in 2019.
Although he is yet to make an appearance for the Seagulls, his potential has been recognsed, and Swansea are eager to harness his talent during his loan spell.
Kuharevich made his debut for the French club against Ligue 1 giants PSG, and went on to spend 14 months on loan with Belgian club OH Leuven.
Another loan move to Hibernian followed last season, where the 6ft 4in striker scored five goals in 15 appearances for the Easter Road side, despite missing part of the campaign with a knee injury.
Those five goals came within a nine-match sequence and included goals in successive games against St. Johnstone, St. Mirren and Aberdeen.
Kuharevich is also a Ukraine Under-21 international, scoring three goals in 15 caps.
Swansea City’s new striker signing, Mykola Kukharevych.
Fucking pick that out. 🦢 pic.twitter.com/82hn3UDjT3
— Jordan (@JordanWebber96) July 31, 2023