Gillingham Football Club finds itself in a concerning position despite being currently sitting in eighth place in the League Two table, writes Matt Olsen.
Their struggle to find the net has become a glaring issue. With only 21 goals scored so far this season, the team’s aspirations for promotion now hinge on a crucial decision: securing a marquee striker in the January transfer window. A prolific striker could provide the much-needed spark for Gillingham’s front line.
The Gills are the latest side to be linked with Peterborough United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris, as reported by Kent Online, but may have to break their own previous transfer record of £600,000 paid to Reading for Carl Asaba back in 1998.
Clarke-Harris has been one of the most talked about players during this transfer window since his potential move to Bristol Rovers collapsed in the summer. The striker looks destined to leave Posh this January, with his contract up at the end of the season. Given that situation, it would come as a huge surprise if they were not to sell the 29-year-old this window, given he could then just walk on a free as soon as the season closes.
It’s no wonder that multiple clubs are vying for Clarke-Harris’ talent, given his impressive record as last season’s joint top-scorer in League One, netting 26 goals. Despite a shift in his role at Peterborough, the Jamaican international has maintained his goal-scoring prowess, notching six goals in 17 League One matches this season.
Should Gillingham aim for a playoff spot this season, their offensive performance must see improvement. A high-profile addition to their attacking lineup holds the potential to elevate the team’s status to that of promotion favourites, not just one of the chasing pack. While Clarke-Harris may be a stretch due to his value, Peterborough could still favour a sale to a League Two team rather than a direct competitor. This situation could lead to a bidding contest for the striker, one in which Gillingham may participate, given their current standing. However, it remains uncertain whether they can manage both the 29-year-old’s transfer fee and wage demands.
Although Johnson Clark-Harris certainly possesses the goal-scoring prowess that Gillingham may seek, it’s important to consider the financial implications of securing his services, as his high wage demands could potentially strain the club’s resources. With that in mind, perhaps they should explore alternative options, and one such prospect that garners attention is Jake Young from Bradford.
At 22 years old, Young has already demonstrated his goal-scoring ability by netting an impressive 16 goals for Swindon while on loan this season. He is surely a more promising investment for the future, given his potential and the value he could bring to the club both on and off the pitch.
