Football Presse

Five European clubs track Southampton attacker Scienza as Saints seek €30m

·By Paul Lindisfarne
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Léo Scienza, the 27-year-old Brazilian forward whose form for relegated Southampton has drawn widespread attention, is being monitored by five European clubs as his club prepares for inevitable interest after a standout season in difficult circumstances.

Aston Villa, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Atalanta and AS Roma are all tracking Scienza's situation, according to Sky Sport Germany, with Southampton setting an asking price of €30m for a player they signed for just €9m from FC Heidenheim last summer.

Scienza contributed 17 goal involvements in 37 appearances across Southampton's relegation season — a remarkable individual output for a player in a struggling side. His directness, close control and ability to create chances from wide positions gave him a profile that stood out in what was otherwise a difficult collective campaign for the Saints.

Palmeiras and Flamengo have also registered interest from Brazil, offering an alternative path for a player who has never played professional football in his home country and may be open to an emotional return.

The transfer arithmetic for Southampton is straightforward. A sale at anything approaching the €30m asking price would represent a profit of over €20m on a player they acquired in their last Premier League window, generating funds that become available for a Championship rebuild.

Scienza has one year remaining on his contract, which gives the club a degree of leverage. Whether a Premier League side returns is the key question — of the five clubs linked, Villa and Tottenham represent the most realistic top-flight destinations.