Port Vale Secures Former West Brom Midfielder Rekeem Harper as Free Agent

League Two leaders Port Vale have completed the signing of former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Rekeem Harper as a free agent. Harper previously made 41 appearances for West Bromwich Albion, including his Premier League debut in August 2017 at the age of 17. The 24-year-old commenced the current season with League One club Burton Albion, but he mutually agreed with the Brewers to terminate his contract on the August transfer deadline day. His agreement with Vale is set to last until the conclusion of the current season. Harper previously played under Vale head coach Darren Moore during Moore’s time in charge at Albion, making 41 appearances. He remained with the Baggies from 2016 until 2021, a period that included loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City, prior to his departure to join Ipswich Town for a fee of £500,000. However, he only featured in 19 games over two years at Ipswich, a period that encompassed loan stints with Crewe Alexandra and Exeter City. Subsequently, he transferred to Burton again in the summer of 2023, where he accumulated 34 appearances, with half of those coming as a substitute. Moore’s squad presently holds a four-point advantage at the summit of League Two, having secured five consecutive victories leading up to Saturday’s FA Cup first-round fixture against Barnsley.