Nelson Khumbeni

Nelson Wilfred Khumbeni (born 14 October 2002) is a Malawian footballer who plays as a midfielder for EFL League Two club Gillingham.

Nelson Khumbeni

Personal information
Full name	Nelson Wilfred Khumbeni
Date of birth	(2002-10-14) 14 October 2002 (age 22)
Place of birth	Lilongwe, Malawi
Position(s)	Midfielder
Team information
Current team	Gillingham
Youth career
2011–2021	Norwich City
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2021–2022	Norwich City	0	(0)
2022–2025	Bolton Wanderers	0	(0)
2023	→ AFC Fylde (loan)	8	(0)
2024	→ Morecambe (loan)	18	(1)
2024–2025	→ Accrington Stanley (loan)	18	(1)
2025–	Gillingham	3	(0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 12:23, 8 February 2025 (UTC)

Career

Khumbeni came through the Norwich City Academy, joining at U9 level. He signed his first professional contract with Norwich City on 7 July 2021, penning a one-year deal.^[1] Upon the expiration of his deal, he joined Bolton Wanderers on 16 June 2022, linking up with the newly formed 'B' team.^[2]

Khumbeni made his Bolton debut on 9 August 2022 in a 5–1 victory against Salford City in the EFL Cup, coming on in the 83rd minute as a substitute for MJ Williams.^[3] On 25 May 2023, he signed a new two-year deal with the option of a further year after captaining the B Team for the season.^[4]

In October 2023, Khumbeni joined National League club AFC Fylde on a 28-day loan deal.^[5]

On 31 January 2024, Khumbeni joined EFL League Two club Morecambe on loan until the end of the season.^[6] On 22 May, Bolton confirmed that they had activated an option to extend his contract with the club.^[7] On 16 August 2024, Khumbemi joined another League Two club, Accrington Stanley, on loan.^[8]

In January 2025, Khumbeni joined Gillingham of League Two on a permanent contract for an undisclosed fee.^[9]

Personal life

Born in Malawi, Khumbeni moved to England at a young age.^[10]

Career statistics

As of match played 20 April 2024

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			FA Cup		League Cup		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Norwich City U-23s	2019–20[11]	—	—		—		—		1[a]	0	1	0
	2020–21[12]	—	—		—		—		2[a]	0	2	0
	Total		—		—		—		3	0	3	0
Bolton Wanderers	2022–23[13]	League One	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0
	2023–24[14]		0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	1	1
	Total		0	0	0	0	1	0	1	1	2	1
AFC Fylde (loan)	2023–24[14]	National League	8	0	1	0	—		—		9	0
Morecambe (loan)	2023–24[14]	League Two	18	1	—		—		—		18	1
Career total			26	1	1	0	1	0	4	1	32	2

1. Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy