How much Southampton could sell Leo Scienza for as new St Mary's transfer update emerges | OneFootball

Leo Scienza's spell with the Championship side could end up being short-lived

It has been a season of mixed fortunes for Southampton, with Tonda Eckert's side currently on an upward curve in their season at present.

After being relegated from the Premier League to the Championship for the second time in three years last campaign, Saints were expected to immediately mount a promotion bid back to the top-flight.

Whilst they are certainly still in with a chance of achieving a first-time promotion - yet again through the play-offs - supporters in this part of the South Coast may look at the disastrous four-month reign under Will Still at the start of the season and a poor run of form which followed Eckert's full-time appointment as key moments if they are not to break into the top six ahead of the likes of Wrexham and Hull City.

Ironically, the Tigers were the last side to defeat Eckert's men in any competition on January 17th, with Southampton extending their current unbeaten streak in the league and FA Cup to 12 matches with a statement 2-1 success against league leaders, Coventry City, at the CBS Arena on Saturday afternoon.

As such, they are heading into Wednesday's clash against another in-form side in Norwich City at St Mary's full of confidence, albeit it remains to be seen if their strong run of late can be continued with or without the quality of Brazilian winger, Leo Scienza.

The summer signing from FC Heidenheim has been a revelation in red and white this term, but missed the aforementioned clash with a groin injury, with Eckert unable to give a conclusive update on his recovery timespan.

It also remains to be seen whether Saints will be able to retain the 27-year-old's services in the summer, with a fresh transfer revelation emerging.

Southampton FC set fresh Leo Scienza asking price as transfer inquiries submitted

The winger has proved himself to be an instant hit with Saints fans for his quality on the ball, as well as his commitment to the cause - even during the aforementioned testing periods throughout the campaign.

Scienza has been a leading light when it comes to the sheer number of contributions he has made in such a short period of time, already racking up a total of six goals and eight assists in 30 Championship appearances.

This came after he'd already netted three goals in his final three appearances for Heidenheim before moving to St Mary's for a reported €10m (£8.6m) fee on a four-year contract on Deadline Day in the summer transfer window.

Given his immediate impact in the Championship, many have held the belief that Southampton's best chance of retaining their Brazilian ace is to return to the Premier League as soon as possible.

With the club having nine more games to try and secure a play-off place, it has now emerged that the club have placed a hefty valuation on his services as transfer vultures begin to circle.

According to Sky Deutschland (16/03 at 22:05), Saints value Scienza, at least, at the €20m (£17.2m) mark.

The publication have stated that the winger has already become the subject of inquiries from clubs in the Premier League and Serie A, as well as others in Spain and his native Brazil.

However, the identity of said clubs have not been revealed yet.

Southampton FC are in a strong position to command €20m, Leo Scienza fee

Having previously shone in the Bundesliga and UEFA Conference League for his previous employers, as well as his current form for Saints, Scienza has clearly shown he has the ability to feature at a top level across Europe.

His current form for Saints will have certainly impacted the valuation which the club have set, alongside the length of his contract, which will still have three years left to run by the time the summer window opens.

However, it also shows that the club are hopeful of deterring interest and keeping hold of their star performer for as long as possible, regardless of their divisional status for 2026/27.