Charlton Athletic backed to strike new James Bree agreement - 'toxic' Southampton FC warning raised | OneFootball

FLW's Charlton fan pundit has given his verdict on James Bree's potential future with the club

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

James Bree has made a positive start to life on loan at Charlton Athletic after moving from Southampton in the summer.

The defender arrived on a short-term loan, and is due to return to St. Mary’s in January once the winter market opens.

He has featured four times since making the switch to the Valley, including starting on three occasions.

He has reunited with his former Luton Town manager Nathan Jones, who is hoping his team can avoid a relegation battle following their promotion from League One.

It remains to be seen whether Bree has a future with Charlton beyond the expiration of his loan in January, with his contract at Southampton also set to conclude next summer.

James Bree permanent deal welcome at Charlton

When asked about being able to keep Bree beyond January, FLW’s Charlton fan pundit Sam White claimed it would be great business if they could hold onto him.

However, he is unsure if the Addicks will even try, or if they might have their eye on going back to reported summer target Shinnosuke Fukuda.

“James Bree is doing very well so far, obviously it’s a long season,” White told Football League World.

“He’s only here until January at the minute, which to me suggests they’re keen to have a look at him.

“Obviously, they’ll be able to work out a deal potentially in January, if not the summer because he’ll be out of contract at Southampton.

“Additionally, I wonder if his deal until January means that they’ve got their eye on someone else.

“It was linked that they were looking at the Japanese lad Fukuda.”

White has claimed that both players arriving on a permanent basis would be a positive step for the squad, and that staying at Charlton might also be the best move for Bree at this stage of his career: “To be honest, both players signing would be a positive, especially with injuries and sort of how the league goes, as well as being able to add potential to the squad.

“I think James Bree has done very well so far, but he’s probably more defensive than Kayne Ramsay and so being able to have a defensive-minded player like Bree in the squad with someone attacking like a Fukuda, if he comes, or Ramsay is positive.

“Do I think he’ll come? I think he’ll likely want to sign here, especially if he gets his career back on track.

“He knows what he’s getting with Nathan Jones and I think he’ll enjoy the praise and the atmosphere at Charlton, especially coming with zero expectations.

“Whereas Southampton could turn quite toxic soon.”

Charlton drew 1-1 with Derby County on Tuesday night, with Bree even giving the Addicks the lead for his second goal of the season, before Matt Clarke pulled back an equaliser for the hosts.

The London outfit have made a strong start to life back in the Championship, and are sitting in the table half of the table going into October.

Jones’ side have earned 12 points from their opening eight fixtures, losing just twice and winning on three occasions.

Next up for Charlton is a trip to face Preston North End on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.

James Bree signing is looking good for Charlton

If Charlton can hold onto Bree beyond this deal to January, then it could prove very smart business.

It’s hard to see him working his way back into the first team plans at Southampton, and he has a proven track record of performing well with Jones as his manager.

Given the lack of time remaining on his contract, a deal in January to remain at the Valley might be the best move for all parties.

But it also wouldn’t be surprising if Charlton had competition for his signature, as Bree at his best has a lot of potential to be a top performer in the Championship.