From Lewisham to the Championship: Khiani Shombe's Next Chapter
Khiani Shombe has joined Championship side Hull City on a professional deal after leaving Southampton by mutual consent. At 19, the goalkeeper's move marks another milestone in a journey that started here—in grassroots football with Lewisham Borough.
It's the kind of pathway that doesn't always make headlines. Shombe came through non-league football with the club before earning a Southampton academy deal in July 2024, after impressing on trial. At St Mary's, he made six appearances for the U18s and was named in U21 matchday squads. Now he's stepping up to the Championship with a club that's shown him a clear development plan.
"I am buzzing and happy that the move was able to get completed," Shombe said. "Hull showed me genuine interest and a path forward. I went for a week on trial, spoke to the coaches, and liked what I saw."
It's worth noting what that journey represents. Shombe came through Kinetic Academy as well—the London-based development setup—but his roots in non-league football matter. This is how it works at grassroots level: young players develop in smaller clubs, catch eyes, move up. It's unglamorous. It's real. And it works.
For Lewisham Borough, it's a reminder that the club isn't just about match days and league tables. The young keepers, outfielders, and prospects who come through these sessions are going places. Some will make it into academies. Some will go further still.
Khiani's now one of them. Best of luck at Hull, Khiani!