Southampton FC's Leo Scienza 'concern' will rise on one condition - Aston Villa, Leeds United want deal | OneFootball

FLW's Southampton fan pundit has given his verdict on the transfer interest surrounding Leo Scienza

Southampton are firmly in the mix for promotion to the Premier League following a strong run of form to end the campaign.

The Saints moved to within three points of the automatic promotion places with a 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday evening.

However, second place Ipswich Town still have a game in hand on their rivals for a top two finish, with just a few fixtures left.

Earning promotion to the Premier League could have a huge impact on the Hampshire outfit’s summer plans.

In particular, Leo Scienza’s future has become the subject of intense speculation amid interest from a number of Premier League sides.

Leeds United, Everton and Aston Villa are reportedly among the clubs considering an approach when the market opens at the end of the campaign.

Premier League status will determine Leo Scienza’s future

When asked if Scienza’s reported £25 million release clause concerns him regarding the player’s future, FLW’s Southampton fan pundit Martin Sanders, of FootballMartin on YouTube, claimed that promotion to the Premier League will prevent any worries.

He believes that the Brazilian is a top player that can compete at the highest level, and that he’ll do that at St. Mary’s, if the club can win promotion in the coming weeks.

“It won’t concern me until the season’s ended and what league we’re in,” Sanders told Football League World.

“It will concern me if we’re not in the Premier League because I think he will get snapped up by a Premier League club because he’s that good.

“He’s a brilliant player, I sat down with him at Christmas and his journey is powerful, it’s quite emotional.

“Where he’s come from and what he’s done is brilliant, top player and he can play at the top level.

“There is no doubt about that, he will go to the top level.

“But Saints could be a Prem side, so he’ll stay if we are.”

Scienza joined Southampton in the summer following their relegation to the Championship, arriving from German side Heidenheim.

The 27-year-old has been a key figure for the Saints under Tonda Eckert, and he’s contributed seven goals and nine assists from a total of 33 league appearances.

He’s been crucial to the team rising back into promotion contention, with the club on a six match winning streak.

Scienza has a contract until June 2029, but the existence of a £25 million release clause leaves Southampton with very little leverage going into the summer, emphasising the importance of being able to offer Premier League football.

Eckert’s side moved up to fourth in the Championship table with their victory against Rovers midweek, leaving them within three points of Ipswich.

Southampton moved ahead of Middlesbrough, and are just one point behind third place Millwall.

The club also have an FA Cup semi-final to prepare for, with a clash at Wembley against Manchester City on the horizon.

But next up in the league is a trip to face Swansea City on 18 April in a 3pm kick-off.

Leo Scienza will be a Premier League player next season

If Southampton aren’t promoted, then it’s difficult to see him remaining at the club beyond this summer.

He is now 27 and in the prime years of his career, so he will want to make that step up to the highest level as quickly as he can, and his performances this season suggest he is ready.

Eckert’s side can still earn their top flight status, and if they can achieve that then they will have made a very strong case for Scienza to stay at St. Mary’s.

But the £25 million release clause in his contract will make it difficult even with promotion, as Southampton will have no control over his future.