BREAKING: Ipswich Town star has been released after helping side win promotion to League One
Former Ipswich Midfielder Rekeem Harper Becomes Free Agent After Port Vale Release
Former Ipswich Town midfielder Rekeem Harper is once again a free agent after being released by Port Vale following their successful promotion campaign from League Two.
The 25-year-old joined Darren Moore’s Valiants in November 2024, signing a short-term deal until the end of the 2024/25 season. His arrival came shortly after he parted ways with Burton Albion, with both parties agreeing to a mutual termination of his contract.
Harper played a part in helping Port Vale secure an immediate return to League One, following their relegation from the third tier at the end of the 2022/23 season. He made 21 appearances in all competitions during his stint at Vale Park and found the net twice. His contributions in midfield provided valuable depth and experience to Moore’s side, who finished second in the League Two table to secure automatic promotion.
Despite his efforts, Harper is among eight players to be released as the club prepares for life back in the third tier. Port Vale’s decision not to offer him a new contract leaves the former Premier League academy product seeking a new club once again.
Harper first rose to prominence at West Bromwich Albion, coming through the youth ranks to make his senior debut in 2017. He gained further experience with loan spells at clubs including Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City before making a permanent switch to Ipswich Town in the summer of 2021.
That move to Portman Road came amid a flurry of activity under then-manager Paul Cook, who oversaw a dramatic squad overhaul dubbed the “Demolition Man” summer. Harper became the third of 19 signings in a single transfer window, with Ipswich aiming to mount a serious promotion challenge from League One.
However, his time in Suffolk failed to fully ignite. Harper made just 19 appearances in all competitions across two seasons, struggling to hold down a regular starting spot in a highly competitive midfield. He was loaned out to both Crewe Alexandra and Exeter City during his spell with the Blues, in search of more regular first-team football.
Eventually, his contract with Ipswich was terminated by mutual consent in June 2023, paving the way for his brief stay at Burton and subsequent move to Port Vale.
Now at a crossroads in his career, Harper will be looking to secure a new opportunity where he can rediscover his form and consistency. At just 25 years of age, he still has time on his side and a wealth of experience across England’s lower leagues to offer prospective clubs.
