Gillingham have completed the signing of 22-year-old Christian Maghoma ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Maghoma signs for the Gills after leaving Polish side Arka Gdynia and will join up with Steve Evans’ squad ahead of Saturday’s friendly at Leyton Orient.

The deal

Maghoma becomes Gillingham’s 10th summer signing and is the fourth defender Evans has added to his ranks.

The length of the deal has not been disclosed, but he provides well needed defensive depth for the Gills just a week and a half until the new season starts.

Maghoma’s career

Maghoma was born in DR Congo and began his football career at Tottenham Hotspur, where he spent almost four years.

During his time at Tottenham he had an unsuccessful loan spell at Yeovil Town, and upon leaving White Hart Lane he signed for Polish side Arka Gdynia, where he had spent the last two years. 

He made a total of 36 appearances for the club during his time in Poland.

Reaction 

Gillingham manager Steve Evans told the club website: “Christian is a big powerful, no nonsense central defender.

“We have had to be patient to land his talents and I am grateful to chairman Paul Scally for working hard to get him here.

“We will let the lad settle in and we will go from there. It takes our first team squad numbers to 17 players so we are getting closer to the numbers we will start the season with. A small but talented squad.”

Maghoma added: “I know the size of the club and where it wants to go in the future and everyone in the building has been so welcoming.

"I just want to play. I love football and have been playing since I was eight. I am tough, I will not let people get past me easily and I love to talk and be a leader."

McKenzie joins

Prior to the arrival of Maghoma, Gillingham confirmed the signing of former Hull City defender Robbie McKenzie.

The 21-year-old joined the Gills last Friday, and has featured in pre-season games against Reading and Cambridge United since. Gillingham is just his second club, after making his way through Hull’s academy and playing for their first team, including regularly in the Championship last season.

Perhaps naturally a centre back, McKenzie is also comfortable at both full back and central midfield, and his versatility could be vital for Gillingham this season.

Upon his arrival, Steve Evans told Gillingham’s website: “He is excellent in any defensive position including midfield - a terrific signing. Without doubt he adds utility to a compact but talented squad of young men.
 
“We will help develop him and I have no doubts our supporters will like this talented lad." 

McKenzie said: “I am really happy to be here - hopefully it will be a good season for everybody involved. I want to help the team out as much as I can, I am one of those who will give 100% every time I play and Gillingham seems the perfect place to start a new chapter.”

Analysis

The arrivals of both Maghoma and McKenzie are important for Gillingham, who were lacking defensive options before the signings.

Maghoma is a no nonsense central defender and will provide fierce competition for Jack Tucker and Zech Medley, who have started to form a solid partnership at the heart of the Gillingham defence during pre-season.

It could have been argued that, following the departure of club captain Max Ehmer this summer and with Tucker and Medley both aged 20, it would’ve been smart for Gillingham to get an experienced centre back through the door. But Evans wants to go with youth this season, and his three main options at centre back may be inexperienced, but they are talented and hungry.

McKenzie meanwhile will provide versatility if not excitement. Naturally a centre half, it’s possible he will feature more at full back and in midfield, but he will be sure to strive impress in his new chapter after leaving his boyhood club.