Rekeem Harper was still due a year on his Ipswich agreement
Burton Albion has procured Rekeem Harper with a two-year contract following his mutually agreed termination of contract with Ipswich Town.
In addition, Burton has enlisted fellow midfielder Kegs Chauke, formerly of Southampton, also with a two-year contract.
Harper, now 23, clocked in only 19 games in all competitions for Ipswich following his £500,000 transition from West Bromwich Albion in the summer of 2021. He and Chauke, 20, spent the previous season on loan to Exeter City.
Harper affirmed that Burton is the “appropriate club” at the “right moment” for him. In his conversation with the club website, the ex-England Under-19 international mentioned, “The manager has identified my game’s strengths and areas for improvement. He has objectives and as a player, I align with those ambitions.”
Harper was merely 17 when he made his Premier League entrance at West Brom and has since featured in 41 games for the Baggies in all competitions. His outstanding performances with the Baggies led to speculation linking him to Liverpool, Tottenham, and Italian powerhouse Juventus in 2019.
‘Provided him a home’
While no such move came to fruition, Harper had a brief tenure at Birmingham City before descending to League One with Ipswich.
Dino Maamria, Burton’s manager who is spearheading his inaugural pre-season at the club, having replaced Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in September 2022, expressed his delight at acquiring a player of Harper’s caliber, noting his experience and potential for growth.
“He’s an exceptional midfielder who attained much success at a tender age but has not really found stability after being loaned out, which can often be challenging,” Maamria remarked. “What he appreciates about us is that we have offered him a home for the ensuing two years and hopefully even longer.”
South Africa-born Chauke had his lone senior game for Southampton in a 2-0 FA Cup triumph over Shrewsbury Town in January 2021.
On the topic of Chauke, Mammaria said, “He’s someone we have pursued for some time as he’s truly gifted. He’s an energetic midfielder with superb technical skills. He opted to join us knowing our track record for nurturing young talent. He will bring us vigour and expertise with the ball.”
In other news, former assistant manager to Preston, Oldham, and Barnet, John Dreyer, 60, has been appointed as Maamria’s deputy.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Burton Albion signings
Who have Burton Albion recently signed?
Burton Albion have recently signed midfielders Rekeem Harper, previously with Ipswich Town, and Kegs Chauke from Southampton. Both players have been signed on a two-year contract.
How long is the contract that Rekeem Harper has signed with Burton Albion?
Rekeem Harper has signed a two-year contract with Burton Albion.
Where did Rekeem Harper and Kegs Chauke spend the last season on loan?
Both Rekeem Harper and Kegs Chauke spent the previous season on loan at Exeter City.
What are some of the clubs that Rekeem Harper was previously linked with?
Rekeem Harper was previously linked with top clubs such as Liverpool, Tottenham, and Italian giants Juventus back in 2019.
Who is the current manager of Burton Albion?
The current manager of Burton Albion is Dino Maamria, who replaced Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in September 2022.
Who is the newly appointed deputy to Dino Maamria?
John Dreyer, a former assistant manager to Preston, Oldham, and Barnet, has been appointed as the deputy to Dino Maamria at Burton Albion.
More about Burton Albion signings
- Burton Albion’s Official Website
- Ipswich Town FC’s Official Site
- Southampton FC Official Site
- Football Transfers News
- Premier League Official Site
- Exeter City FC’s Official Website
