James Bree (footballer)

James Patrick Bree (born 11 December 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a right-back for club Southampton.

Barnsley
Bree began his career with Barnsley and made his professional debut on 3 May 2014 in a 3–2 home defeat to Queens Park Rangers, becoming the club's second youngest debutant.

Aston Villa
Bree signed for Aston Villa on 25 January 2017 on a four-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee, described by Barnsley as "substantial". He made his debut for Aston Villa on 4 February in a 2–1 away defeat to Nottingham Forest.

He joined another Championship club, Ipswich Town, on 31 January 2019 on loan until the end of the season. His debut came three days later in a 1–0 defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

Luton Town
Following Aston Villa's promotion to the Premier League, Bree was loaned to Luton Town, who were newly promoted to the Championship, on 8 August 2019 on a season-long loan. He made his Luton debut as a 74th-minute substitute for Martin Cranie in a 2–1 away defeat to Cardiff City two days later. Bree contributed five assists as Luton avoided relegation to League One on the final day of the season.

Bree completed a permanent transfer to Luton on 1 September 2020.

Southampton
On 26 January 2023, Bree signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Southampton. On 31 January 2023, Bree made his first appearance for Southampton in a 2–1 defeat against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg. Four days later, Bree made his Premier League debut in a 3–0 defeat to Brentford.

On 23 December 2023, he was substituted with a suspected hamstring tweak during a 0–1 victory against Queens Park Rangers. Manager Russell Martin later confirmed that Bree was expected to be sidelined until the end of January. During a 3–2 defeat to Ipswich Town on 1 April 2024, he was shown a red card for a foul on Leif Davis.

Honours
Barnsley
 * Football League Trophy: 2015–16

Southampton
 * EFL Championship play-offs: 2024