Lamin Sillah: Gillingham FC seal loan signing of Nottingham Forest striker

Reports on social media had linked Gillingham with a move for the Forest youngster, who has been a regular part of the club's Under-21s side.

The pacy front man arrived at Forest from Greek side Olympiacos, where he netted nine goals and assisted for five more in 17 Under-19 Super League appearances in Greece.

At the time, Forest's Head of Football Development & Talent Management, Craig Mulholland, said: "It's really important our Emerging Talent pool has a blend of the best players from the local area who have come through our Academy, as well as top talent from around the world.

"Lamin is someone who has high potential, and we’re delighted to have added a goalscoring attacker to Warren [Joyce]’s young, exciting squad.

"He arrives here hungry to improve. We wish Lamin well for the year ahead, and we are all looking forward to seeing how he settles into the Club."

Last season, Sillah made 17 appearances for the Forest Academy (Under-21) side, scoring three times and assisting for two more in Premier League 2, while adding three additional goals in seven Cup appearances.

Now, with Forest splashing the cash in the summer transfer window to bring Chelsea striker Liam Delap to The City Ground, Forest have opted to loan out young striker Sillah to the Gills, where he can gain more first-team football and, it is hoped, help fire the Gills further up the League Two table.

Speaking to the club's official website, Sillah said, "It's an historic club, a big club. I spoke to the manager, and I got some positive things from him, and that gave me confidence.

"I feel it's the right time for me [to go on loan]. Nottingham Forest have been really supportive, I have people down there helping me a lot. 

"I'm quick, and I will give everything I have. I can't wait, I feel great about it."

Sillah will join Ronan Hale and Will Goodwin in the Gills' striking corps to offer the potential for a three-pronged forward line, which could also potentially free up James Brophy to move out to the left-hand side to cover for the long-term absence of Kadeem Harris, whose ruptured ACL is likely to see him ruled out for most, if not all, of the 2026/27 campaign.

But, with the arrival of a young prospect who, over his career, has averaged a goal involvement almost every other game (27 from 55), Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth will be encouraged to have another attacking threat at his disposal this season.

Sillah is all set to go straight into Gillingham's squad for Saturday's League Two match with Northampton Town at Priestfield.

Age: 20

Position: Striker

Parent club: Nottingham Forest

Former clubs: Olympiacos, Steve Biko FC

Career appearances: 55

Career minutes: 3,942

Goals: 17

Assists: 10

Yellow cards: 1

Red cards: 0

Stats from Transfermarkt