17 year old Scottish midfielder Reece McAlear signed for Norwich from Motherwell on 26th July 2019. He made his debut for Motherwell's Under-20s when he was just 15. He is also a Scotland youth international (having been capped at Under-16 and Under-17 levels at the time of his signing).

McAlear was on the bench for Norwich in the Carabao (League) Cup first round clash at Luton on 5th September 2020 which Norwich lost 3-1. The Canaries had 15 first teamers missing due to international call-ups with a further two injured. However he was not utilised. He made his first team debut on 28th November 2020 in a 1-1 home draw with Coventry with Norwich fielding five Academy players on the bench due to a horrendous injury crisis; which worsened when Max Aarons was injured at the end of the game but which saw McAlear make his debut.

On 17th June 2021 he returned to Scotland to join Inverness Caledonian Thistle on a season long loan. Having scored three and assisted four during 23 appearances by 5th April 2022, his manager Billy Dodds said he was amazed that Reece had not been selected for Scotland's Under-21s. With Reece out of contract in the summer of 2022, it was reported that St Johnstone, St Mirren and Kilmarnock were all observing the situation with clubs in the England League One and League Two also reported to be keen. He made 28 league appearances, scoring four goals.

He was released by Norwich on 20th May 2022.

On 9th June 2022 he signed a two year contract with League Two side Tranmere Rovers. "He is an exciting young midfielder who we see potential and quality in" said Rovers boss Micky Mellon.

On 31st January 2023 he returned to Scotland to sign for Ayr United on loan until the end of the 2022/23 season.

McAlear was released by Rovers on 30th April 2024. He had played 48 games for Rovers. He then signed for Livingston of the Scottish Championship.