Gillingham have clinched the signing of defender Ike Orji from Chatham Town on a permanent transfer.

The 19-year-old full-back, who has agreed terms with the Gills having completed all necessary medical checks, will train with the club’s first-team squad during the week, but will remain on loan with the Chats for the remainder of the season.

Ike made his debut at the age of 16 and won Chatham’s “Young Player of the Year” in May 2022.

An exciting prospect, Orji has attracted the interest of a number of League clubs, but has opted to stay local, moving across Medway to join The Gills.

Seen by Gills manager Neil Harris as the future of the club, Orji is the latest signing under new owner Brad Galinson as the club look to pull clear of the League Two relegation zone.

Although Orji won’t be playing for The Gills for the remainder of this season, he’s seen as an integral part as the club look to get promoted in the coming season.

With the two clubs working very closely together in recent years, it’s testament to Gillingham’s desire to recruit talented local players as they build for the future.

Andy Hessenthaler’s scouting network will see a number of talented youngsters drafted into the Gillingham squad in the coming years as they look to stop the rot of quality players leaving Kent for clubs elsewhere.

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.