Southampton have officially announced a contract extension with James Bridge, meaning the player will remain with the club until 2029.
2026-06-13 08:37
Southampton have announced a contract extension with defender James Bridge. Although his original contract expired this summer, the two sides have agreed on a new three-year deal, keeping Bridge at the club until 2029.
Since joining from Luton in January 2023, James Bree has made 74 appearances for Southampton, scoring 5 goals. Last summer, the defender was loaned to Charlton Athletic for more playing time.
Since returning to the team in January, James Bree has quickly become an important member of manager Toda Ekert's team. He played a key role in Southampton's 21-game unbeaten run in the Championship, starting in 19 of those matches.
Speaking about the contract extension, James Bridge said, "I'm really happy to have completed the extension. Discussions about the new contract started at the end of the season, and now everything is finalized. I'm very pleased to stay here and continue to represent the club for the next three years."
“A football career is never a smooth ride. I went through a difficult period when I first joined the team, but I always enjoyed playing here. So when the contract extension became possible, it was something I really wanted to achieve. Now that I'm staying with the team, I'm looking forward to moving forward.”
Club technical director Johannes Spoelstra said: "Whether it's his consistent performance in matches or the reliability he shows when facing various challenges, James Bree has proven himself to be a trustworthy player. This stems not only from his football skills but also from his outstanding professionalism and personal charm."
“James Bridge has always been a player who puts the team first. He consistently holds himself to the highest standards, demonstrating exceptional professionalism in both daily training and official matches, and is willing to give his all for the team. Everyone has witnessed his commitment and dedication to the club, so we are very pleased to continue working with him.”
Image source: Internet/Southampton official website
