Aaron Harper-Bailey

Aaron Harper-Bailey

Personal information
Date of birth	(2001-09-29) 29 September 2001 (age 23) [1]
Place of birth	Smethwick
Height	1.94 m (6 ft 4 in)
Position(s)	Defender
Team information
Current team	Drogheda United
Number	5
Youth career
0000–2022	Rushall Olympic
2022–2024	West Bromwich Albion
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2022–2024	West Bromwich Albion	0	(0)
2024	→ Kidderminster Harriers (loan)	2	(0)
2024	Drogheda United	10	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 10:51, 09 July 2025 (UTC)

Aaron Harper-Bailey (born 29 September 2001) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Drogheda United in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

Club career

Youth years

In July 2022, Harper-Bailey joined National League North club Rushall Olympic following a successful pre-season trial during which he impressed the coaching team. ^[2] Just under 2 months later, his performance earned him a transfer to EFL Championship club West Bromwich Albion. He made over 28 appearances for the club's U23 team. ^[3] Becoming a regular starter for the youth side in Premier League 2. ^[4] Harper-Bailey left the club in late June following the expiration of his contract. ^[5] He never made a senior appearance for the Baggies. ^[5]

Kidderminster Harriers (loan)

On 26 January 2024, Harper-Bailey joined on an initial one-month loan. ^[3] The player made 2 appearances for the Harriers during his short time at the club, featuring against Oxford City and Gateshead . Harper-Bailey returned to West Bromwich Albion on 23 February of the same year, following the end of his loan. ^[6]

Drogheda United

On 29 July 2024, Harper-Bailey signed a permanent deal with League of Ireland Premier Division club Drogheda United ^[4] following the expiration of his contract at West Brom. ^[5] He currently wears number 5 for the League of Ireland Premier Division club.

Harper-Bailey made his debut for Drogheda on 16 August 2024 as a substitute in a 9-0 FAI Cup third round win against Wilton United.

Style of play

Harper-Bailey is a left-footed Defender with strong physical attributes. ^[7]

Career statistics

As of match played on 28 March 2025 ^[8]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			National Cup [a]		League Cup [b]		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
West Bromwich Albion	2023–24	EFL Championship	0	0	0	0	0	0	—		0	0
Kidderminster Harriers (loan)	2023–24	National League	2	0	—		—		1 [c]	0	3	0
Drogheda United	2024	LOI Premier Division	3	0	1	0	—		1 [d]	0	5	0
	2025		1	0	0	0	—		2 [e]	0	3	0
	Total		4	0	1	0	—		3	0	8	0
Career Total			6	0	1	0	0	0	4	0	11	0

1. Includes FA Cup & FAI Cup
2. Includes EFL Cup
3. Appearance(s) in the FA Trophy
4. Appearance(s) in the Leinster Senior Cup
5. 1 appearance in the President of Ireland's Cup; 1 appearance in the Leinster Senior Cup

Honours

Drogheda United

• FAI Cup: 2024

References

1. "Aaron Harper-Bailey: Overview". Premier League. Archived from the original on 22 January 2024. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
2. "Player News: Dream Move for Harper-Bailey as Pics Provide Platform". Rushall Olympic. 8 September 2022. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
3. "Harper-Bailey boosts defence". Kidderminster Harriers. 26 January 2024. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
4. "Drogheda sign Aaron Harper-Bailey from West Brom". LM FM. 29 July 2024. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
5. "Free agent lands new home following West Brom exit". The 72. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
6. "Aaron Harper-Bailey returns from Kidderminster Harriers loan". West Bromwich Albion. 23 February 2024. Archived from the original on 18 April 2024. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
7. "Signing: Emerging Defender Snapped up Following Impressive Pre Season". Rushall Olympic. 27 July 2022. Archived from the original on 27 July 2022. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
8. "England - A. Harper-Bailey - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com.