Gillingham have strengthened their squad for the new season by signing Zane Albarus from Brighton and Hove Albion on an initial two-year contract. The 20-year-old central midfielder becomes Gareth Ainsworth’s second summer signing, following the arrival of James Brophy from Leyton Orient last week.
Albarus will join on a free transfer after his contract at Brighton’s Amex Stadium expires. He has spent the last two seasons involved with Brighton’s Under-21 side, making four appearances in the EFL Trophy. The midfielder, who originally joined Brighton from MK Dons as an Under-16 player, made his Under-21 debut in January 2024.
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The move marks Albarus’s first step into senior EFL football. Although his main position is in central midfield, he is also capable of playing at right-back, giving Gillingham added flexibility as they prepare for the campaign ahead.
Speaking after signing, Albarus said he was excited to make the move and begin his senior career. He described the transfer as a major opportunity to play EFL football for the first time and said he was eager to get started. He added that he gives “110%” in everything he does and is “raring to go” for the challenge.
A full interview with the player is expected to be made available online shortly. His transfer is still subject to EFL ratification, and he will officially become a Gillingham player on July 1.
The signing forms part of Ainsworth’s early summer rebuilding at Priestfield, as Gillingham look to add young, versatile players to their squad ahead of the new season. Albarus’s arrival from a Premier League academy system offers the club another option with development potential and positional adaptability.
For Gillingham supporters, the capture of Albarus represents another addition with room to grow and a chance to make an immediate impression in senior football. With Brophy already secured and Albarus now on board, the club’s summer recruitment is beginning to take shape as preparations continue for the months ahead.
