Southampton FC announced on Friday that defender James Bree has signed a new three-year contract extension, keeping him at St Mary's Stadium until 2029.
The 28-year-old right-back was set to become a free agent this summer before finalizing the agreement.
Bree originally joined Southampton from Luton Town in January 2023 and has made 74 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals.
After spending the first half of last season on loan at Charlton Athletic, head coach Tonda Eckert recalled him in January to bolster the squad amid right-back injuries.
The defender subsequently started 19 matches during Southampton's 21-game unbeaten streak to conclude the Sky Bet Championship season.
Bree remained undefeated in league fixtures following his return, beginning with a 1-1 derby draw against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
"People say 'roller coaster' but it was, with so much going on," said Bree.
"When you get on that roll of playing football, and you're in the mode of it, it sometimes becomes automatic and you're in that zone.
I felt like I was playing some really good football."
The defender credited head coach Tonda Eckert for revitalizing his career at St Mary's after he initially faced limited playing time during his first two seasons at the club.
"Tonda was so good with me, just giving me so much information and let me play my football," said Bree.
"He coached me really, really well and just had that belief in me from the start."
Bree previously witnessed the tactical impact of Eckert in November when Southampton secured a 5-1 victory against Charlton at The Valley while Bree watched from the stands.
"I'd been in training that morning so I was up in the stands watching," said Bree.
"I remember thinking it was the best 20 minutes of football I'd ever seen!"
The player expressed absolute satisfaction with finalizing his long-term commitment to the club after discussions commenced toward the conclusion of the regular season campaign.
"I'm absolutely buzzing to get it all sorted," said Bree. "I'm just happy to get it all done now, and I'm committed for the next three years."
Southampton Group Technical Director Johannes Spors praised the structural reliability and on-field professionalism that the defender maintained throughout the competitive campaign.
"James' consistency and reliability speak volumes not only of his abilities as a footballer, but his character as a person," said Spors.
"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."
The contract extension coincides with the announced departure of forward Ross Stewart, who left the club at the expiration of his contract this summer.
