James Bree’s Southampton exit offers big hint on Charlton Athletic’s January business 

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James Bree’s Charlton Athletic loan deal suggests the Addicks will be looking to bring in a right back on a permanent basis in January.

Nathan Jones and co. have recruited 10 players this summer, shedding around £10million. The last addition to the south east Londoners’ squad was Bree from Southampton, who signed on deadline day.

The 27-year-old has joined on loan until January, bolstering Charlton’s options at right back and or right wing back. However, the agreement has left some Addicks fans confused, with a section asking why the deal isn’t season-long instead.

There are two potential avenues Charlton could go down in the new year – and the Championship club may still be pursuing a recent target.

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Opinion: Charlton Athletic could go back in for target Shinnosuke Fukuda in January

EFL Analysis previously brought you the news Charlton were in talks with Wolverhampton Wanderers right wing back Dexter Lembikisa this summer, with him playing for the Addicks on trial during pre-season.

The 21-year-old signed for League One Lincoln City in the end on deadline day.

The south Londoners also reportedly had a bid rejected for Kyoto Sanga’s Shinnosuke Fukuda, with the club proposing a loan with an option to buy. However, our football correspondent Graeme Bailey said the Addicks were still ‘looking’ at the Japanese player in mid-August.

“He’s literally out of contract in less than six months, that’s the thing,” Bailey said at the time. “So, unless Kyoto drops their valuation or forgo the release clause, I think it’s possible Charlton will just wait until January and get him for nothing then.”

Given Fukuda’s Kyoto contract expires at the end of January, it’s likely Jones and co. will go back in for him on a free should their interest still exist.

The 24-year-old has made 91 appearances for the J1 League club, scoring nine goals and grabbing six assists in all competitions, and offers the attacking threat at wing back that Charlton are looking for.

Meanwhile, Bree’s Southampton contract expires next summer.

Southampton will want a fee for James Bree in January

The Saints brought Bree in for £750,000 from Luton in January 2023 during Jones’ short spell at St Mary’s.

His loan deal until January would suggest they are keen to get a fee for him in the winter window.

Should he impress at The Valley, they could make a decent profit on the full back, and will no doubt have had that in mind when sending him to London on Monday.

Whether Charlton go for both, one of, or neither of Fukuda and Bree on a permanent basis in January remains to be seen, but Jones needs to fill that gap in the squad to have the best chance of getting through a long Championship campaign.