Leo Scienza’s possible exit might not hurt Southampton as much as you might think

Leo Scienza had a frustrating opening weekend in the Championship against Watford.

The Southampton attacker knew exactly what game he was getting himself in for when he was clattered by Hector Kyprianou for the hosts in the early exchanges, as the usually silky Brazilian was stifled throughout by a spirited Hornets' defensive display.

In the end, he could only muster up two weak shots on the home side's net, with zero accurate crosses and only two successful dribbles registered, as well.

He would count himself lucky he wasn't hauled off by Tonda Eckert, as Lewis Dobbin - who was also noticeably poor - was substituted off, instead, in attack.

Scienza will just want to shrug this passive display off when Stoke City come to town this coming weekend, as last season - when he was on top form - he was so hard to contain in the second tier, amassing a stunning 17 goal contributions in total.

His superb form last season has attracted some Premier League onlookers, with reports suggesting he could move to the top-flight before September's deadline.

Is Scienza going to be on the move?

Links tipping the entertaining South American for a move to the Premier League this summer had gone cold in recent times.

But, as per journalist Charlie Gordon, top-fight clubs are still keen on the one-time Heidenheim winger, with Gordon noting that Eckert and Co. "may have to fight" in order to keep their star-man rooted at St. Mary's.

Losing Scienza would be a major knock to the confidence, as the Saints have already had to stomach the loss of Shea Charles to the elite division, with the Northern Irishman now preparing to line up for Fulham this approaching Monday night against Chelsea.

But, his exit might not sting as much as you might think...

His exit wouldn't sting as much as you might think

Indeed, while the number seven's numbers last season for a debut Championship season were electric, he did go missing far too often during the latter stages of the 2025/26 campaign.

Across the last 13 games of the second tier season, including the ill-fated playoff matchups with Middlesbrough, Scienza would only muster up one goal and two assists.

Couple that with his soft display against Watford, the powers that be at Southampton might be tempted to cash in, particularly if a Premier League suitor offers some crazy money.

Moreover, losing Scienza would make Eckert's selection headaches calm down somewhat, as the starting XI he put out against the Hornets looked confused, with Dobbin selected down the left flank, while the Brazilian was shoehorned into a number ten role.

If Scienza were to depart, it would allow Finn Azaz to comfortably slot in as the number ten, while Dobbin would continue down the left.

While the £9m signing struggled at Vicarage Road, he would also feel he could step up to the mark with pacey number seven no longer around, having amassed 18 goal contributions last season at Preston North End in the Championship, which is one more than his counterpart's own weighty tally.

The story tipping Scienza to move to the Premier League should be taken with a huge pinch of salt, but it doesn't have to be the end of the world if he were to leave the Saints ranks behind in the final few weeks of the wild window.

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