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He had the world at his feet when he signed for Real Madrid at 13, mixing with Zidane and Ronaldo. Now Jack Harper plays in Italy’s Serie D… but he’s not giving up on his Scotland dream

Whatever the Italian word is for 'steamie', the steady migration of Scottish players to Serie A has been the talk of it.

Daily Mail

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 6:16 PM

Key Things to Know

Jack Harper signed with Italian Serie D side ASD Nuova Igea Virtus while retaining his Scotland dream.
The 30-year-old spent six years at Real Madrid's academy before suffering injuries throughout a nomadic senior career.
Harper signed a one-year contract as a free agent after departing Spanish fourth-tier club Linares.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Real Madrid youth prospect Jack Harper has signed a one-year contract with Italian Serie D club ASD Nuova Igea Virtus. The 30-year-old Scottish forward, who joined Madrid's academy at age 13 before enduring an injury-hit nomadic career across Spain and England, stated he has not given up on his ambition to represent the Scotland national team.

After leaving Spanish fourth-division club Linares as a free agent, Harper considered offers from Iraq and Thailand before opting for the Sicilian side. Despite entering the Italian fourth tier, Harper expressed determination to rebuild his career, climb the divisions, and eventually play in Scotland.

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