Barrow have confirmed the arrival of midfielder Rekeem Harper following his release from Port Vale.
The 24-year-old has signed a two-year deal as the Cumbrian side continue their proactive summer rebuild. The former West Bromwich Albion and Ipswich Town player has penned a two-year deal that will officially commence on July 1st, subject to EFL approval.
Harper Adds Power to Midfield as Barrow Look Upwards
Harper becomes the latest addition to a side that continues to make a statement in the transfer market, with the Bluebirds also securing Scott Smith, Innes Cameron and Jack Earing earlier in the window. The midfielder arrives with a wealth of experience despite his age, having made his Premier League debut with West Brom back in 2017.
Speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel, Harper outlined his excitement at joining a club with ambition:
“It’s amazing to finally get it done. I spoke to the gaffer recently and our ambitions aligned. I want to be at a club with a winning environment and a team who have ambitions to do big things.”
The move reunites Harper with League Two football after he helped Port Vale secure promotion from the division last season under Darren Moore. Although he made just 21 appearances in a campaign disrupted by rotation and injury, his experience at a higher level will be seen as a boost for a Barrow side aiming to push into the top seven.
From Premier League to Progress at Holker Street
Harper’s career began with promise at West Bromwich Albion, where he made 40 appearances across the Premier League and Championship. He had a loan stint at Blackburn Rovers in 2019 and featured for Birmingham City in 2021 before sealing a £500,000 move to Ipswich Town.
That move did not yield consistent first-team football, and Harper found more minutes during loan spells at Exeter City and Crewe Alexandra. Subsequent permanent deals at Burton Albion and Port Vale followed, with the player now looking to establish himself once again under the stewardship of Pete Wild.
Barrow’s steady rise under Wild has been characterised by smart recruitment and steady year-on-year progress. After falling short in their play-off pursuit last season, they appear intent on plugging key gaps with proven professionals. Harper’s arrival is likely to offer energy, versatility and composure in midfield — attributes that could make a significant difference in tight League Two contests.
Writer’s View
This is a strong move from Barrow. Rekeem Harper brings experience from the top two tiers of English football and, crucially, a hunger to re-establish himself. His comments suggest a player motivated not by status but by the chance to be part of a growing project.
Pete Wild has shown a knack for identifying the right characters to fit his dressing room, and if Harper can rediscover his rhythm, Barrow could have a real asset in their push for promotion. With other astute additions already through the door, it’s clear Barrow mean business this summer.
