Charlton Athletic are preparing to push for a permanent deal for James Bree when his loan from Southampton expires in January.
The right back has impressed since reuniting with manager Nathan Jones, scoring two goals and providing three assists across 11 appearances. Although he was ineligible to face his parent club during the recent 5-1 defeat, his influence on the Addicks is clear, and Jones has openly stated his desire to keep him beyond the short-term agreement.
Jones Eager for Permanent Reunion as Bree Thrives in London
James Bree joined Charlton Athletic on deadline day, linking up with Jones for a third time after previously working under him at Luton and Southampton. The 27-year-old has adapted seamlessly to the system, offering both creativity and defensive balance on the right flank as Charlton continue their rebuild.
🚨EXCL: Charlton are looking to make loan star James Bree a permanent signing in January!
The 27-year-old right-back has impressed under Nathan Jones, scoring 2 goals and 3 assists so far this season.🔥#Charlton pic.twitter.com/0GnVcrMi5e
— Sportsboom (@Sportsboomcom) November 20, 2025
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Jones was effusive in his praise, describing Bree as an “excellent player” and a footballer he has taken to every club he has managed. He added that Bree’s understanding of his style of play and athletic profile makes him an ideal fit for the role. When asked directly whether a permanent move is on the table for January, he suggested his track record with the defender “speaks for itself”.
The possibility of a full transfer, however, may hinge on developments at Southampton. Injuries to Mads Roerslev and Elias Jelert have already thinned the squad’s options at wing back, forcing Tom Fellows into an unfamiliar role. Should those absences persist, the Saints hierarchy could be reluctant to sanction a sale mid season.
Bree’s career began at Barnsley, where he debuted in May 2014 and made fifty league appearances before moving to Aston Villa in January 2017. After limited opportunities at Villa, he spent time on loan with Ipswich Town in early 2019, then joined Luton Town on loan in August 2019.
Luton made the move permanent in September 2020 and Bree went on to play more than one hundred matches for the club through to May 2023. He signed for Southampton in January 2023, featuring in both the Premier League and Championship, scoring twice in cup competitions during 2024.
Pick that out! 🔥
James Bree with a brilliant finish for Charlton after some tidy build-up play 👏 pic.twitter.com/2DuvWm6vZ1
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 30, 2025
Southampton Fitness Concerns Could Complicate January Decision
Bree’s long-term future will depend largely on the status of Southampton’s defensive resources in the new year. With both Roerslev and Jelert sidelined, manager Russell Martin has had limited flexibility on the right side, and any further delay in their returns would make retaining Bree a more attractive option.
Nonetheless, the defender’s form at Charlton Athletic and the strength of his relationship with Jones make a permanent transfer a realistic proposition if circumstances allow. Bree has become a key contributor to the Addicks’ attack, and his consistency has given the club renewed momentum as they push to climb the League One table.
As January approaches, the situation will be closely monitored by all three parties. For now, what is clear is that James Bree has once again made himself indispensable to a Nathan Jones team, setting up a potentially significant transfer discussion in the coming weeks.
