Southampton sign defender James Bree from Luton Town | OneFootball

Southampton have added a boost to their back line on Thursday after completing the signing of James Bree.

The 25-year-old defender signs from Luton Town for the next three-and-a-half-years having made 143 appearances for his former side.

“James is obviously someone who I know well from our time together at Luton, and he has the qualities both on the pitch and also in terms of his character to help us here,” said Southampton manager Nathan Jones.

“While we have really talented players in the full-back positions, we have been lighter on numbers than we would have liked, so the addition of James to the squad really helps us to address that. He’s also comfortable playing at centre-back too, so that versatility helps gives us another good option in a number of areas.”

“I’m absolutely delighted. As soon as I had the chance to come to this huge club, a Premier League opportunity for myself as well, and obviously get to work with my old gaffer, I knew it was the right decision straight away and I didn’t have to think twice about it,” added Bree.

Bree is the third signing of the winter window for Saints, following the arrivals of Mislav Oršić and Carlos Alcaraz.