Former Ipswich Town midfielder Rekeem Harper has joined League Two side Port Vale on a deal until the end of the 2024/25 season.

The 24-year-old had been a free agent after having his contract at Burton Albion cancelled by mutual agreement on transfer deadline day in August. 

Rekeem Harper joined Burton after his contract at Ipswich Town was settled last summer.Rekeem Harper joined Burton after his contract at Ipswich Town was settled last summer. (Image: PA)

Harper made 34 appearances for Brewers last season but never quite nailed down a place at the Pirelli Stadium after joining on a two-year-deal from the Blues in the summer of 2023.

He now reunites with Darren Moore at Vale Park, who managed him during his spell at West Brom and for whom he made 41 appearances as a Baggie.

The Valiants are currently four points clear at the top of the fourth tier, having won nine of their opening 14 games this season. They were relegated from League One in 2023/24. 

 

 

“Rekeem is a player I’ve been lucky to know for some time and I am delighted we’re welcoming him to Vale Park, his new Vale boss said. 

"His ability to control the midfield and contribute not just in attack but defensively fits perfectly into our plans and what we want to achieve on the pitch.

“He is a very capable, versatile player who reads the game effectively, I believe he will be a valuable asset for us throughout the season on and off the pitch.”

Rekeem Harper, pictured with Mark Ashton and Paul Cook after signing for Ipswich Town from West Brom in 2021. Rekeem Harper, pictured with Mark Ashton and Paul Cook after signing for Ipswich Town from West Brom in 2021. (Image: ITFC)

Harper was the third of 19 signings by Paul Cook during that hectic 'Demolition Man' summer of 2021, joining from the Baggies in a £500k deal. 

However, he made only 19 appearances in all competitions for Town over a two-year stay that included loan spells at Crewe and Exeter City.

At his new club, Harper will link-up with former Town loanee Conor Grant.