James Bree, who is currently on loan at Charlton Athletic, is likely to return to St Mary’s once his loan spell ends later this month. That possibility is mostly positive, but it also underlines a deeper problem in Southampton’s squad planning.
Bree’s situation is straightforward. He has been out on loan, gaining minutes and match sharpness in League One with Charlton. There have been calls for Saints to take him back, not because he has set the world alight, but because his return would provide an immediate answer to a specific problem.
Southampton have struggled to field a recognised full-back when injuries hit. With Elias Jelert and Mads Roerslev both available, the right side can be covered. But with both of them currently recovering from injury, Tonda Eckert faces a selection problem.
That is where Bree could help. His natural position is full-back. He can operate on either flank if required. Reintegration into the squad would mean Southampton would not be forced to play wing-backs or persist with Tom Fellows out of position.
A full-back provides balance. He gives a coach the freedom to organise the team without having to reshape the entire defensive structure whenever an injury occurs.
Eckert can no longer excuse his three-at-the-back obsession
This leads to the second point. Southampton have experimented with three at the back for much of the season, and most fans hate it. Perhaps because it limits the attacking potential of wingers and wide midfielders, positions where Southampton are at their strongest.
Bringing Bree back offers Tonda Eckert the chance to use a back four more regularly. With a dependable full-back option, there is less need to cling to a back three purely for cover. A four-man defence can encourage wider play and more direct attacking combinations.
That said, it is important to be honest about what Bree represents. He is not a player who will change games at the Championship level.
He is solid enough for League One and dependable on occasion, but he is not a standout performer in higher divisions. Southampton’s promotion push demands more than solidity in depth. It demands players who can contribute consistently at a higher standard.
Bree is not a long-term solution - here's why
Reintegrating Bree would solve a short-term problem. It would cover injuries and provide structural flexibility. But it does not address the bigger challenge.
Southampton need players who can make a difference week in, week out. Charlton Athletic is a stage where he fits naturally. Southampton, with ambitions of climbing back into the Premier League, need talent above that level.
In the medium term, relying on him would not raise standards. Saints should use every tool available in January and beyond to strengthen the squad, but they must be clear about where real impact comes from. Bree can help in a limited way, but he cannot lift Southampton toward their bigger goals.
The problem remains that James Bree will be out of contract at the end of the season and free to leave. Meanwhile, the option to buy Elias Jelert for around £7.4m is unlikely to be triggered if Southampton do not get promoted. There are serious doubts about whether Jelert is good enough for the Premier League anyway.
Whatever happens, expect Southampton to be rooting around Bundesliga 2 for a right full-back next summer!