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Gillingham have announced the signing of midfielder Eli King from Cardiff City. The 23-year-old has moved to Kent on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee. Bluebirds boss Brian Barry-Murphy had allowed the Welshman to depart the Cardiff City Stadium on loan, but the academy graduate has left the club permanently. Who is Eli King? King came through the youth ranks at Cardiff and made his professional debut in a Championship fixture against Middlesbrough in 2021. He went on to make 10 appearances for the Welsh club. Capped for Wales at U21 level, King enjoyed success out on loan at Crewe Alexandra, Morecambe, Ross County and, most recently, Stevenage, where he made 33 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign. Following Cardiff's relegation to League One, the midfielder was expected to play a big part, but an ACL injury in August ended his season after just one appearance. He spent the rest of the season recovering and made a comeback for this pre-season. King was named on the bench for Cardiff's Carabao Cup tie at home to Swindon Town. What Gillingham are getting Gillingham have recruited a youthful squad for their League Two campaign. Despite his young age, he has clocked up over 100 senior appearances across the EFL and Scottish Premiership. Predominantly playing as a number six, King excels in winning the ball, making 65 recoveries and nine interceptions during his Stevenage spell. The midfielder is also comfortable on the ball and looks to start attacks from deep. He is a much-needed addition to the Gills' midfield as Armani Little, Bradley Dack and Zane Albarus remain out. Reaction from the player King made the journey from the Welsh capital to Gillingham's away match at Chesterfield to complete his switch. “It’s been a whirlwind today, deadline day always is. I trained this morning and then got straight into my car to Chesterfield," said the 23-year-old. “I’ve made lots of appearances now; as a player I can play as a six or an eight - I like to get on the ball and get around the pitch and pass through the lines.”