Gillingham have confirmed that Seb Palmer-Houlden has signed for Scottish Premier League side Motherwell for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old striker joined the Gills on a three-year deal in the summer of 2025 from Bristol City and went on to score five times in 37 appearances in all competitions while at ME7 and is believed to have left for a fee in the region of £200,000.

Seb returns to Scotland having played on loan for Dundee during the 2024-25 campaign. Motherwell are in UEFA Conference League action on Thursday night when they take on Freiburg at Fir Park.

“We’ve been looking to strengthen in the forward areas, and Seb is a perfect addition,” Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson said.

“With experience here in Scotland, Seb has been playing and scoring at his previous clubs and offers pace, strength and versatility in the forward line. We hope to be able to include him in our Conference League squad for the matches against SC Freiburg.”

“The squad has come together nicely, and with some players working their way back from injury, we will have real competition across the pitch in all positions.”

Palmer-Houlden joined the Bristol City Academy at the age of eight and remained with the Robins until 2025. His time at City included a number of loan moves, including to Chippenham Town, Yeovil, Newport County and Dundee. His time with Chippenham and Yeovil was brief, but his big breakthrough came with Newport County in 2023/24.

Playing 42 games, the forward scored nine goals, with his side finishing mid-table and Palmer-Houlden winning Newport County Young Player of the Year.

Palmer-Houlden then joined Dundee on loan for the 24/25 season and made a fast start in the City of Discovery, scoring five goals in his first seven games. Starting 20 of his 39 appearances during his year in Scotland, his performances earned him a permanent move from Bristol City to Gillingham for an undisclosed fee last summer.

His full season at Priestfield Stadium saw him feature 35 times, which included finding the back of the net five times. He played two games this season for the League Two side before penning a two-year deal with the Steelmen.

“I’m so happy to be back in Scotland and, most importantly, at Motherwell,” said Seb Palmer-Houlden.

“It’s no secret about how well this club is doing right now, and the people I’ve spoken to within the club have been so friendly and helpful. It’s already feeling like such a family club.”

“Speaking to the manager, he’s made it clear what he wants me to do, and that clarity is so important. I think every footballer would want to play in a team like this, so I feel really privileged to be given this opportunity.”

“We have a massive game on Thursday night here, and I can’t wait to see this stadium packed out.”

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.