Kadeem Harris: Former Salford winger arrives as Gillingham FC’s fifth summer signing

Harris arrives at Priestfield after narrowly missing out on promotion from League Two with Salford City. But now, after entering free agency in the summer, he has decided to head south to team up with his old teammate at Wycombe, Gareth Ainsworth, at Priestfield.

Harris made his senior debut for The Chairboys back in 2009 as a 16-year-old, while Ainsworth was one of the senior professionals at the club, and by the 2011-2012 season was a regular part of the first-team setup at Adams Park. 

But, in the January transfer window of 2012, Championship Cardiff City came calling, and Harris headed to the Welsh capital, where he spent six and a half seasons before departing for Sheffield Wednesday, where he quickly became a first-team regular at Hillsborough. However, he was on the move again at the end of his contract as he headed east to join Ukrainian second-tier outfit Metalist Kharkiv.

His spell in Ukraine was affected by the escalating war following the invasion by Russia, with Harris being loaned out to Turkish side Tuzlasport. Harris went on to play for Samsunsport, Bandirmaspor and Sanliurfasport before eventually returning home to English football with Carlisle United, which then led to a move to Salford.

Now, after a successful campaign with Salford, the much-travelled wide man is set to link up with Ainsworth at Priestfield, where the Gills boss may look to use him in a variety of roles on the right flank, including on the wing, at wingback, or at full-back.

"I have met all the staff (and) they have been really welcoming. The stadium is lovely and I am looking forward to getting started,” Harris told the club’s official website.

“I know the manager well, I played with him for a season. I know Dobbo (Richard Dobson) too, and we've all got a really good relationship."

Age: 33

Position: Wide midfielder/winger/wing back

Former clubs: Wycombe Wanders, Cardiff City, Brentford (loan), Barnsley (loan), Sheffield Wednesday, Metalist Kharkiv, Tuzlaspor (loan), Samsunspor, Bandirmaspor, Sanliurspor, Carlisle United, Salford City

Career appearances: 342

Career minutes: 21,215

Goals: 27

Assists: 31

Yellow cards: 34

Red cards: 3

Stats from Transfermarkt