Timothee Dieng has become the latest Gillingham signing under the ownership of Brad Galinson after agreeing a permanent move from League One side Exeter City for an undisclosed fee.

The 30-year-old, who can also play in defence, has scored 17 times in 68 appearances in all competitions since signing for the Grecians in the summer of 2021.

He began his career with French side Brest and played for their `B` side before being promoted to the senior side. He made his professional debut in English Football for Oldham Athletic in August 2014 in an EFL Cup tie at home to Middlesbrough, before making his first league appearance four days later at home to Leyton Orient.

In the summer of 2016 Dieng was on the move to Bradford City, agreeing a two-year contract following a successful trial spell. While at Valley Parade the player made 80 appearances and scored six times.

He was offered a new deal by Bradford but instead opted to sign for Southend in 2018 and was made the club’s Captain. After a three-year spell at Roots Hall Dieng joined Exeter and was voted their “Player of the Year” at the end of the 2021/22 season, and was also included in the Sky Bet League 2 team of the season.

He has signed in time to be eligible for selection ahead of Saturday’s home fixture against Hartlepool and has been assigned the number 29 shirt.

On signing his contract, Timothee said: “I am happy to get it over the line; it happened quickly to be honest. I visited the stadium, I have seen the facilities and I’ve been impressed so I’m looking forward to getting started.

“I am a central midfielder, box to box, I can score goals, I am good in the air and I’m going to give everything when I wear the Gillingham shirt. 

“I can’t wait to meet the fans and new teammates; I’ve played here a few times including earlier this season in the Carabao Cup. It’s a great atmosphere.”

Speaking about the departure of Dieng to The Gills, Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell said:

“The transfer was out of our control. We didn’t want Tim to leave, but Gillingham activated a release clause that was already in Tim’s contract, meaning that ultimately it was Tim’s decision to leave the club.”

Dieng is the latest of a number of signings expected to be made by The Gills in the January transfer window with fans hopeful they will see more new faces ahead of this weekend.

Striker Tom Nichols has already signed a pre-contract agreement with The Gills, signing from Crawley Town and he is expected to make his league debut for the club against Hartlepool at the weekend.

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.