Southampton recalled James Bree from Charlton Athletic in January, with Tonda Eckert bringing the full-back back to St. Mary’s from Nathan Jones’ side.
The 28-year-old has spent the vast majority of his career in the Championship, as well as a few seasons in League One and the Premier League. Bree has played for Barnsley, Aston Villa, Ipswich Town, and Luton Town as well as the duo this season.
Nathan Jones signed Bree at Luton on an initial loan, while also taking him to Southampton a few seasons later, which is why he also signed the defender in the summer upon Charlton’s return to the second tier.
Bree signed a three-and-a-half year contract with his current club in January 2023, meaning he is now in the final six months of his deal at St. Mary’s. However, Tonda Eckert is keen to extend Bree’s deal at Southampton.
The Southampton view as Tonda Eckert makes James Bree stance clear
FLW’s Saints fan pundit Martin Sanders has had his say on the fact Eckert has hinted that he’d like to see Bree extend his contract. We asked if he believes the defender is worthy of a new deal.
He responded: “Yeah, definitely, definitely. Yeah, he’s a good right-back. He’s proper. We’re going to be a Championship club [next season] and he’s brilliant.
“I think, even at Premier League level, he’s good back up. A lot of people say, ‘oh, don’t sign him because he’s not a Premier League defender. Oh, there’s a chance of us being in it next year and that’s how you’ve got to look at it.’
“But I think he was good Saturday and he’s come back and he’s been really good since he’s come back. Nathan Jones has said he didn’t want to go back to Southampton.
“Why would he come out and say that? Typical Nathan Jones, isn’t it? But he’s come back to Southampton and absolutely looks like he wants to play here.
“He actually said that he loves the club; I saw an Instagram interview with him. And, you know, he comes back, been at Charlton on loan, deemed not good enough here, comes back and is one of our best players.
“One of the best in the derby in one of our biggest games of the season, so I’d absolutely love to see him stay.”
James Bree’s career stats showcase his vital experience for Southampton
Soccer Football – FA Cup – Fourth Round – Southampton v Leicester City – St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton, Britain – February 14, 2026 Southampton’s James Bree celebrates scoring their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Martin raises an excellent point regarding Bree’s experience, especially with promotion via the play-offs so uncertain. Bree is a peak-age player with 234 Championship and play-off matches under his belt already.
James Bree’s Career Stats
Team
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Barnsley
61
0
6
Aston Villa
28
0
0
Ipswich Town (loan)
14
0
1
Luton Town
143
2
20
Southampton
55
3
3
Charlton Athletic (loan)
22
2
3
In his five appearances back at St. Mary’s, he has notched an FA Cup goal over the weekend against Leicester City, while also assisting the winning goal in the victory against Watford.
In fact, Bree has won four times and drawn just once since his return to the club. In some ways, he has become a good luck charm for the Saints already.
That sort of player is perhaps invaluable to Southampton next season and beyond, given that many of their very best players will be the subject of top flight interest this summer.
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