Gillingham have signed former Stoke City, Cheltenham Town and Oxford United forward Will Goodwin on a permanent deal

Gillingham have won the race for the signature of forward Will Goodwin.

The Gills were understood to have been one of several League Two sides in the hunt for the six-foot front-man, who has left Oxford United. Gillingham said they “fended off heavy interest” to land the player on a two-year deal.

Oxford announced a month ago that Goodwin was being released.

Trusted football Pete O'Rourke posted on X that the Gills were leading the race for the striker ahead of Port Vale, Shrewsbury and the player’s former club Colchester.

His arrival at Priestfield was confirmed by the Gills on Wednesday night.

Following his arrival, Goodwin said: “It’s time for a new challenge – I can’t wait to get started.

“I’m a number nine who likes a physical battle and I’ll do my best to get on the end of crosses into the box.

“Priestfield’s my new home and I’m ready.”

He added: “After speaking to the manager, his philosophy and playing style suits me to a tee.“

Goodwin, who turned 24 last month, spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Colchester United, where he found the net four times in 30 games.

He came off the bench as a late substitute in both games against The Gills last season.

The former Stoke City striker departed Oxford having made 11 appearances and scoring one goal following his arrival there in January 2024.

He also played 11 games on loan at Wigan in League One in the 2024/25 season, without finding the net.

During his time at Stoke, he went out on loan at Hartlepool and Torquay, moving to Cheltenham Town for an undisclosed fee in January 2023. He scored six league goals in 28 appearances for them.

Callum Stead, meanwhile, the man who scored five goals against the Gills in one game and was rumoured to be another on manager Gareth