Aaron Harper-Bailey

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.

Aaron Harper-Bailey

Personal information
Date of birth	(2001-09-29) 29 September 2001 (age 24)[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	11	(0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 10:51, 09 July 2025 (UTC)

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