Ebbsfleet United sign former Huddersfield Town and Barnet goalkeeper Gio Bellagambi on a permanent deal

Ebbsfleet boss Josh Wright has made his ninth summer signing with the addition of a goalkeeper to his squad.

The Fleet have added Gio Bellagambi as competition for number one Mark Cousins, who has already agreed to stay at Stonebridge Road this season.

Bellagambi previously spent time at the Fleet on loan as a teenager but his time was cut short after the premature end to the National League South season due to Covid. He played in a 2-1 win at Hampton & Richmond and a 4-3 defeat at Welling United.

Now 23, Bellagambi also had loan spells from Huddersfield with Spennymoor Town, Stalybridge Celtic, Hyde United and Salford. He then spent last season with National League champions Barnet, featuring in the FA Trophy as well as the last game of the season at AFC Fylde.

“I’ve gained a lot of experience since I was last here,” said Bellagambi. “I had further loans, I was with the first team at Huddersfield and with the promotion side at Barnet last season so I’ve gained a lot.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Mark Cousins here as well who’s a top keeper.”

With the Fleet’s new goalkeeper aged under 24, a compensation fee is due to Barnet and that is currently being discussed between the two clubs.

Bellagambi is the ninth new face in Wright’s squad with Finlay Barnes, Kwesi Appiah, Lennon Peake, Jamie Fielding, Jake Hessenthaler, Ronny Nelson, Charlie Seaman and Ben Coker already signed.