Gillingham sign Brighton academy midfielder Albarus

Zane Albarus, wearing Brighton's blue and white-striped home shirt in an EFL Trophy game against Luton in October 2025 Image source, Getty Images
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Zane Albarus will play senior professional football for the first time in the 2026-27 season

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Gillingham have signed Brighton & Hove Albion academy midfielder Zane Albarus on a two-year deal.

The 20-year-old has been with the Seagulls since 2021 after joining from MK Dons, and has featured four times in the EFL Trophy for Brighton's Under-21 side in the past two seasons.

"I am so excited to join and be on board for next season," said Albarus, who will officially arrive at Priestfield Stadium on a free transfer on 1 July when his current deal with Brighton ends.

"This will be my first opportunity in a senior team and playing EFL football. I can't wait. I put 110% into everything I do. I am raring to go."

Albarus is Gills boss Gareth Ainsworth's second signing of the summer after bringing in Cambridge United midfielder James Brophy.

Gillingham finished 17th in League Two last season and club owner Brad Galinson has previously said he wants to ditch their "old-school" transfer approach in favour of an analytics-based strategy to help them challenge for promotion.