It’s not even really the summer break yet and already Gillingham have made their first signing just days after the previous season ended.

Defender Conor Masterson has put pen to paper on a permanent contract at Priestfield.

The centre-back will officially become a Gillingham player on July 1st, when his current deal at Queens Park Rangers expires.

The 24-year-old returned to ME7 for a second loan spell in January and made 20 appearances, scoring two goals. He had also played during the back end of the 2021/22 campaign, featuring 18 times.

His return to Priestfield helped spark a magnificent up turn in form which saw Gills take 35 points from a possible 60 in games he played. He joins Glenn Morris, Max Ehmer, Robbie McKenzie, Cheye Alexander and Shaun Williams in committing themselves to the club for the 2023/24 season. 

Conor played for Lucan United prior to joining Liverpool on his 16th birthday in 2004. He was named in the UEFA Champions League squad for the club’s quarter-final win over Manchester City in April 2018, and then once more three days later for a Premier League tie against Everton. 

He departed Anfield for QPR in July 2019, signing a two-year contract and made his professional debut in an FA Cup tie at home to Swansea in January the following year. He scored his first goal against Millwall at Loftus Road in July 2020.

A loan spell at Cambridge followed before joining Gills for the first time in 2022. He has played for Republic of Ireland’s U21 side on 13 occasions.

On agreeing a permanent deal at ME7, Conor said: “I’m delighted to get it done. I have really enjoyed my time at Gillingham during the last two loan spells so to come here permanently, I can’t wait.”

Director of Football, Kenny Jackett, added: “We are delighted to announce the signing of Conor Masterson for next season. He has done very well in his loan spell this year in our resurgence during the back end of the season and everybody at the club is looking forward to working with him in 2023/24.”