Zane Albarus Joins Gillingham On Two-Year Deal

Zane Albarus has joined Gillingham from Brighton on a two-year deal, and the 20-year-old midfielder will officially become a player at the start of next month. It is Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth's second signing of the summer, with the club adding another young option before next season.

Albarus Starts New Step

Albarus arrives after coming through Brighton's system and can also play at right-back. He joined Brighton from MK Dons as an under-16 player, then featured four times in the EFL Trophy for Brighton's under-21 side this season.

That mix of age, position and limited senior exposure explains why this move stands out for Gillingham. He said, "I am so excited to join and be on board for next season," and added, "This will be my first opportunity in a senior team and (to) play EFL Football. I can't wait."

Ainsworth Adds Another Signing

The transfer also follows Gillingham's earlier move for James Brophy from Cambridge United on a two-year deal, giving Ainsworth two summer additions so far. For a squad building toward next season, Albarus brings a player who is still at the start of his senior career but already has academy grounding at Brighton and experience in the EFL Trophy.

Albarus said, "I put 110% into everything I do. I am raring to go." That is the clearest sign of what Gillingham are buying: a young midfielder with room to develop, but also one who wants immediate minutes in a senior setting.

Brighton To Gillingham

The move leaves Gillingham with a second summer signing in place and Albarus with his first chance in senior football and EFL football. He will not be eligible to wear the shirt until the start of next month, but the direction is already set: a step up from Brighton's under-21 side into a senior squad looking to strengthen early.