A year ago James Bree looked surplus to Southampton's needs, he was shipped off to Charlton Athletic on loan and looked set to join them on a permanent basis when his season long loan was completed, but then January changed everything.

Saints have announced that James Bree has signed a new 3 year contract at the club.

The defender who joined Saints originally back in the January of 2023 from Luton, found that his career was stagnating last summer, having managed just 5 games for the club after joining as Saints headed to relegation and the following year in the Championship he would start just 13 League games plus 6 as sub.

Back in the Premier League in 2024/25 he started just 13 plus 4 off the bench and thus last summer it looked like his days were numbered when he was allowed to join Charlton on a season long loan in the final year of his Saints deal.

To be honest there were not many Southampton fans who were too disappointed at his departure.

But fate then took a hand, Tonda Eckert took over at St Mary's and with injuries to other recognised right backs leaving him short and needing to play a back 3 with wing backs to offer more height when defending set pieces, he brought Bree back from South East London.

Bree himself was probably not too happy with this, he was a nailed on starter at Charlton and probably didn't expect that back at St Mary's

The 28 year old was just what was needed though and he showed that in a gritty performance in his first game back against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

He would play in all of the 17 remaining League games after that outing, plus the two play off games, all in the starting line up aside from the final game at Preston were he was rested and came on as sub.

Bree had this

“I’m absolutely buzzing to get it all sorted. It’s something that I spoke about towards the end of the season – I’m just happy to get it all done now and I’m committed for the next three years.

“Football is never smooth sailing, as we all know. When I first signed here it was a tough start, but I’ve absolutely loved my time so far. When it came down to signing a new contract, it was something that I was always thinking about doing. I can’t wait to keep going.”

Group Technical Director Johannes Spors said:

“James’ consistency and reliability speak volumes not only of his abilities as a footballer, but his character as a person.

“He is someone who always puts the best interests of the team before his own, conducts himself with great professionalism and always leaves everything he has on the football pitch. His commitment to the club is clear – we are very pleased he has decided to continue his journey with us.”

Spors words are perhaps very topical, especially the last paragraph which could be construed as a little dig at another player who was out of contract this summer and whose departure has been announced on the same day as Bree's new deal.

Ross Stewart had a great season last term, but was that enough to repay the two previous seasons where we paid him a lot of money for doing very little, some would say not.

All Photos Via Reuters