Lamin Sillah - Gillingham's new attacking option
- Jeff Manning
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
From Gambian youth football to a title-winning season in Greece to Nottingham Forest Under 21s, athletic young striker with an eye for goal is ready for the next stage of his development in League Two
With the transfer window set to close at 11pm next Tuesday, Gillingham have bolstered their attacking options with the arrival of Lamin Sillah on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest.
The 20-year-old Gambian striker joins the club having progressed from the Gambian domestic league to Olympiacos Under 19s in Greece before continuing his development with Forest's Under 21 side. A Greek Under 19 champion, Sillah is a pacy and mobile centre-forward who describes his own game as ‘quick’ and ‘powerful’. Having arrived at Priestfield in search of regular senior football, he is eager to make his mark at first team level.
The move was completed in time for Sillah to feature in Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Northampton Town, making his Gillingham debut from the bench when he replaced Ronan Hale after 81 minutes.
Sillah's arrival comes as Gillingham look to reinforce their forward line following the departure of Seb Palmer-Houlden. Described by manager Gareth Ainsworth as an ‘exciting player’, the striker is expected to add pace, energy and competition to the club's attack.
The striker sees the move as an important next step in his development. In his first interview with Gillingham's media team, Sillah expressed enthusiasm for the move, stating: ‘It's an historic club, a big club. I got some positive things from the manager and that gave me confidence. I feel it's the right time for me.’
Forest have already secured Sillah's longer-term future with a contract running until June 2028. They also regard the move to Gillingham as a key stage in their player’s development. The Premier League club praised his contribution to their Under 21 side and described the loan as an opportunity to gain ‘valuable senior football experience’.
Emergence in Gambian Football
Born in The Gambia, Sillah began his footballing journey with Steve Biko FC. After breaking into the club's senior setup as a teenager, his performances, alongside his involvement in Gambia's youth international setup, attracted the attention of European scouts and paved the way for a move abroad.
Move to Europe - Olympiacos Under 19s
In 2024, Sillah took a major step in his development by joining Olympiacos and linking up with the club's Under 19 side. His first season in Greece proved highly successful. He scored nine goals and registered five assists in 17 Greek Under 19 Super League appearances, helping Olympiacos claim the 2024/25 league title.
He had made an immediate impact scoring four goals in his first three Super League matches, including the winner against Panathinaikos on his debut. Quickly establishing himself as one of the team's key attacking players, Sillah demonstrated both an eye for goal and a creative edge at youth level.
Alongside his domestic success, Sillah also gained valuable experience in European competition, making five appearances in the UEFA Youth League.
International career
At international level, Sillah has represented The Gambia's Under 20 side, winning five caps and scoring twice for his country since making his debut in September 2024.
Further growth at Forest
After his standout season in Greece, Sillah secured a transfer to Nottingham Forest in July 2025. Forest's Head of Football Development and Talent Management, Craig Mulholland, described the young forward as a player of ‘high potential’ and praised his ambition and willingness to improve.
Sillah enjoyed a productive 2025/26 campaign at Forest, recording seven goals and five assists in 30 appearances across all competitions. In Premier League 2, he contributed three goals and two assists in 17 appearances, while also making an impact in cup competitions, including two goals against Wealdstone in the National League Cup.
He featured three times in the EFL Trophy, scoring from the penalty spot in an 11-10 shootout defeat at Tranmere Rovers and adding another goal from open play against Blackpool.
Sillah was an unused substitute in Nottingham Forest’s squad for their final Premier League match of the 2025/26 season, a 1-1 draw with Brentford.
Off the mark already
Sillah has already found his scoring touch for Forest at the start of this season, netting the equaliser and converting the winning penalty in a National League Cup victory at Gateshead. He also scored Forest’s late consolation goal in a 5-1 defeat away to Sunderland in Premier League 2.
What next?
Sillah has expressed confidence in adapting to the demands of League Two football, insisting he does not mind the physical side of the game and is ready for the challenge ahead. Fit and available for selection, Sillah says he ‘can’t wait’ to get started and has promised supporters that he will ‘give everything’ he has during his time at Priestfield.
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