Harambee Stars defender Vincent Harper signs for Walsall FC

Kenya national team Harambee Stars defender Vincent Harper has completed a move to English League Two side Walsall FC on a two-year contract.

“We are pleased to announce the signing of defender Vincent Harper on a two-year deal, with the club option of a further year,” read a statement on Walsall’s official website.

“The 24-year-old, who is predominantly a wing-back, has spent the last two seasons in Sky Bet League One with Exeter City. He played 65 times in total for the Grecians and contributed with three goals and three assists during his time at St James Park.”

Speaking after putting pen to paper, Harper said: “I’m happy to finally get it all sorted and I’m looking forward to getting started.

“Speaking to the gaffer and what he’s got planned sold it to me and playing here at the start of last season, I liked the vibe and the atmosphere so when it came about I wanted to get involved straight away.

“I’m energetic, I like to defend and I like to attack. I’m nice and dynamic and I like to have fun on the pitch. I want to do the best I can and help the team win games.”

Walsall head coach Mat Sadler was thrilled to secure Harper’s services: “Vincent is a very explosive wing-back with a very athletic profile. He’s quick, likes to get at his man but he’s a very good one-v-one defender as well.

“He comes to us on the back of a lot of games in League One last season for Exeter so it’s a very important signing for us. He’s someone we’ve worked on for quite some time in the off season and he was highly sought after by a lot of clubs in our division.”

The Kenyan began his career at Bristol City and made his first steps in senior football with loan spells at Gloucester City, Weston-super-Mare and Bath City. He left Ashton Gate at the end of the 2020-21 season and moved to Chippenham Town but after just under a month there, he was approached by National League side Eastleigh.

He spent two seasons with the Spitfires where he excelled. Harper netted four times during the 2022-23 season and his impressive performances caught the eye of Exeter who signed him for an undisclosed compensation fee.

In October 2023, he was called up to the Kenya squad and was on the bench for a friendly against Russia.

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