James Bree (footballer)


James Patrick Bree is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Premier League club Aston Villa.

Career

Barnsley

Bree began his career with Barnsley and made his professional debut on 3 May 2014 in a 3–2 defeat against Queens Park Rangers becoming the club's second youngest debutant. Bree helped Barnsley earn promotion to the Championship with his form during the 2015–16 season.
Stepping up to the Championship with ease, Bree attracted the attention of wealthier clubs with his impressive attacking displays from the right-back position, earning comparisons to former Academy teammates John Stones and Mason Holgate. Despite speculation linking Bree with Aston Villa on the 21 January 2017, Bree helped Barnsley to a 3–2 victory against Leeds United. This was to be his last game for the club.

Aston Villa

On 25 January 2017, Bree signed a four and a half year deal with Aston Villa, for an undisclosed fee described by Barnsley as "substantial". A day later, Barnsley teammate Conor Hourihane joined him at Villa Park by signing a three-and-half-year-deal. On 4 February 2017, Bree made his debut for Aston Villa, in a 2-1 away defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Ipswich Town (loan)

On 31 January 2019, Bree signed for fellow EFL Championship side Ipswich Town on a loan deal until the end of the season. He made his debut in a 0-1 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on 2 February 2019.

Luton Town (loan)

On 8 August 2019, following Aston Villa's promotion to the Premier League, Bree joined Championship club Luton Town on a season long loan. His first game for Luton was a 2-1 away defeat at the hands of Cardiff City two days later. Bree contributed five assists that season, as Luton narrowly avoided relegation to League One.

Career statistics

Honours

Barnsley