Gillingham FC's transfer window needs increase following Seb Palmer-Houlden's surprise departure

Palmer-Houlden joined the club back in May 2025 for an undisclosed fee from Bristol City. A willing runner who sent most of his time at Gillingham chasing lost causes in a struggling side, he was praised in pre-season by Gills boss Gareth Ainsworth after returning from the summer break looking in superb physical condition, having filled out his frame during the off-season. It led Ainsworth to suggest that the 22-year-old front man could be set to have a big season for the club.

Despite that, Palmer-Houlden started Saturday's EFL season opener against Walsall on the substitutes' bench, coming on late to replace summer striker signing Will Goodwin.

And in the days that followed, it seems a deal was struck between Gillingham and Motherwell for the young striker to head back to Scottish football, having previously spent a loan spell with Dundee in the 2024/25 season, scoring nine times and assisting for two more over a 39-game spell with The Dees.

Palmer-Houlden departs Priestfield having played 37 times for the club, scoring five times, with his exit now prompting the question, will a new first-team striker signing be heading to Priestfield in the next 12 days?

With only two senior first-team strikers currently on the books, signing another front man would appear to be a high priority, with injury or suspension to either Will Goodwin or Ronan Hale likely to put Gillingham behind the 8-ball in terms of genuine options at centre-forward.

It adds to the club's shopping list late in the summer transfer window, with summer signing and new club captain Liam Gordon's opening day injury against Walsall meaning the club will almost certainly have to dip back into the transfer market to replace the influential leader in the heart of the Gills' back line.

And with Palmer-Houlden's departure, it means all eyes will be on Gillingham as they look to meet key needs at both ends of the pitch with just 12 days of the summer transfer window remaining.