BURTON Albion can confirm the signing of midfielder Rekeem Harper on a two-year deal following the termination of his contract at Ipswich Town.
Harper began his career at West Bromwich Albion, making his Premier League debut as a 17-year-old for the final 30 minutes of an opening day victory over Bournemouth.
Harper’s first senior loan spell came in the 2017-18 season when he headed to Blackburn Rovers, making nine appearances before returning to the Hawthorns. In 2019-20 he made 13 appearances for the Baggies prior to their promotion back to the Premier League.
He played 18 times for Birmingham City on loan in the 2020/21 campaign.
He joined Ipswich Town on a permanent deal in 2021 making 18 first team appearances before a January loan move to Crewe Alexandra, where he played a further 15 matches.
Last season saw Harper join Exeter City on a season-long loan, where he made 20 appearances, before Ipswich Town announced yesterday the agreement of a mutual termination of his contract.
Birmingham born Harper has also represented England at both under-17 and under-19 level.
On signing Rekeem, Brewers manager Dino Maamria said: "He's a top midfielder who had a lot of success at a young age but hasn't really been settled after being sent out on loan which is not easy sometimes.
"What he liked about us is that we have given him a home for the next two years and hopefully beyond that. He's still only 23 but already has a lot of experience. But he can still develop and improve. We are delighted to have him here."
Harper said: "It felt like the right time of my career and the right club and the right manager to really spring me forward. Whenever you sign for a new club there is excitement and you just want to meet the rest of the boys and get going.
“It’s great being a Birmingham boy to be here as there’s no place like home and being able to have family around me and supporting me.
“The manager has seen the strengths in my game and seen the things to work on. He has ambitions and as a player I share those visions.”