James Overy (born 9 November 2007) is an Australian soccer player who plays as a right-back for English Premier League club Manchester United.

James Overy
Personal information
Date of birth (2007-11-09) 9 November 2007 (age 17)
Position(s) Right-back
Team information
Current team
Manchester United
Youth career
Perth Glory
2024– Manchester United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2024 Newton Abbot Spurs 6 (3)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 05:00, 15 October 2024 (UTC)

Club career

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Overy began his career with Australian A-League side Perth Glory, and played in a friendly match against English Premier League side West Ham United in 2023 at the age of fifteen.[1] His family relocated to Devon, England in the same year, and he went on to join South West Peninsula League side Newton Abbot Spurs, spending time with the club's first team in 2024.[1]

In May 2024 it was reported that Premier League club Manchester United had offered Overy a scholarship deal.[1] In June of the same year, he reportedly accepted this deal, rejecting other Premier League clubs in the process.[2][3] This move prompted an investigation from world footballing body FIFA; as Overy had signed with Newton Abbot Spurs in March 2024, he could not move to another club until 16 weeks had elapsed.[4] After getting clearance, the move was completed in September 2024.[5][6]

On 15 October 2024, he was named by English newspaper The Guardian as one of the best players born in 2007 worldwide.[7]

Personal life

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Born in Australia, Overy is of Scottish descent through his mother.[8]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of 15 October 2024.[9]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Newton Abbot Spurs 2023–24[10] SWPL 6 3 0 0 0 0 6 3
Career total 6 3 0 0 0 0 6 3
Notes

References

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  1. ^ a b c Railston, Steven (31 May 2024). "Manchester United close to completing transfer of former A-League talent". manchestereveningnews.co.uk. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  2. ^ Railston, Steven (17 June 2024). "Manchester United complete signing of former A-League talent who impressed scouts". manchestereveningnews.co.uk. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  3. ^ "Former Perth Glory youngster James Overy signs with Manchester United's vaunted academy". thewest.com.au. 17 June 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  4. ^ Banerjee, Ritabrata (21 July 2024). "Man Utd in trouble? Red Devils can't register signing as Premier League & FIFA investigate deal". goal.com. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  5. ^ Railston, Steven (14 September 2024). "Manchester United reveal two exciting new signings as transfers made official". manchestereveningnews.co.uk. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  6. ^ Millar, Colin (19 September 2024). "Manchester United complete signings of teenagers Samuel Lusale and James Overy". The New York Times. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  7. ^ Christenson, Marcus; Bloor, Steven; Blight, Garry (15 October 2024). "Next Generation 2024: 60 of the best young talents in world football". theguardian.com. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  8. ^ "Man Utd closing deal for teenage fullback James Overy - TribalFootball.com". www.tribalfootball.com.
  9. ^ James Overy at Soccerway
  10. ^ "Matches for James Overy". newtonabbotspurs.co.uk. Retrieved 15 October 2024.