Luton right-back Bree joins Southampton on a three-and-a-half-year deal

2023-01-27 12:38

Luton right-back Bree joins Southampton on a three-and-a-half-year deal


Following Orsic and Alcaraz, the 25-year-old British right-back James Bree became Southampton's third signing this winter.


Bree came out of Barnsley's youth training and was loaned to Ipswich Town and Luton after joining Villa in January 2017. In September 2020, Bree joined Luton on a free transfer, and then played 143 times for the club, scoring a total of 2 goals and sending 20 assists.


Contract details

James Bree will wear the number 14 jersey at Southampton for three and a half years. A number of Premier League reporters added that Bree's worth is only 750,000 pounds, far lower than another right-back signing, Josip Juranovic.


Juranovic was eventually recruited by Union Berlin for an initial fee of 7.5 million pounds and a maximum price of 10 million pounds.


For the Saints, Bree's main role in the team is Tino Livramento's replacement. The 20-year-old Livramento is Southampton's only right back, but he has been sidelined since April last year due to a ruptured cruciate ligament.


"He has what it takes to assist us"

Bree's fellowship with current Saints boss Nathan Jones at Luton was another factor in Southampton's decision to sign him. Jones told the official media: "James is someone I knew when I worked with Luton. He has the qualities to assist us both on the pitch and in character."


"Although we have talented players at the full-back position, the addition of James really helps us solve the problem of manpower shortage. James is also very comfortable at the central defender position. His versatility helps us in many ways. Provides another good option."


"My Childhood Dream"

For the first time in the Premier League, Bree couldn't hide his excitement. He said frankly, "I am very happy. Having the opportunity to come to a huge club, play in the Premier League and work with my past manager, I know it is the right decision without even thinking about it."


"Representing a big team like Southampton to make my Premier League debut was a childhood dream of mine."