Tonda Eckert has hinted that he wants to keep James Bree at Southampton beyond the 2025-26 season, but that the final choice is not his.

The defender made 21 Championship appearances for the Addicks before returning to St Mary’s in the January transfer window after his loan expired.

Since then, he has become an important part of Eckert’s plans at Southampton, starting four league games in the last month and scoring an extra-time winner in their 2-1 FA Cup victory against Leicester City this weekend.

However, Bree’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, which means he may leave Hampshire for free in June 2026, despite his improved form.

Tonda Eckert provides an update on James Bree’s contract as the expiration date approaches in June.

Eckert, Southampton’s head coach, has stated that he has told the club what he wants in terms of Bree’s contract at St Mary’s.

He lauded the defender’s impact since returning from loan at Charlton, but warned that any decision on his future will ultimately be made by the leadership above.

“The club knows my thoughts [on Bree’s contract],” Eckert told the Daily Echo.

“I’m very happy with the way he’s contributing at the very moment, and the rest goes one level higher up.”

Bree came off the bench in Southampton’s 2-1 FA Cup win over Leicester City on Saturday, which was settled in extra time.

His 109th-minute strike separated the two teams, allowing the Saints to proceed to the next round of the competition while avoiding a penalty shootout.

Cyle Larin’s penalty on the stroke of halftime gave Eckert’s team a 1-0 lead before Oliver Skipp’s amazing acrobatic attempt levelled the scores in the 52nd minute.

It was Southampton’s second victory over Leicester this week, following a 3-0 comeback to defeat the Foxes 4-3 in midweek.

James Bree is proven his usefulness to Southampton, so a longer deal would make sense.

Bree has had an up and down experience at Saints since joining from Luton three years ago, and despite enjoying a prolonged run of starts in the Premier League last season under Ivan Juric, largely on the right side of a back three, Will Still judged him dispensable in the summer.

However, Bree performed admirably at Charlton in 2025-26, forcing him back into Eckert’s plans after his time at The Valley.

However, if a contract decision is not taken soon, Southampton risk losing a player for free this summer, who is clearly still useful to Eckert.

Any decision will most likely come in the summer, but Bree has made a strong case for a new contract since returning from Charlton.