Dragan Solak drops new Leo Scienza, Southampton transfer claim - fans will be worried | OneFootball

Southampton chairman Dragan Solak has reflected on the inspired signing of Leo Scienza last summer

After a catastrophic end to last season amid the Spygate scandal, Southampton supporters have had something to shout about again after a busy start to the Saints' summer business.

Missing out on the chance to play in the Championship play-off final was a seismic blow for the south coast club, who were kicked out after beating Middlesbrough and docked four points after pleading guilty to spying on a Boro training session, as well as Oxford United and Ipswich Town earlier in the season.

Chairman Dragan Solak has since publicly come out to discuss the situation whilst reinforcing his support for head coach Tonda Eckert, who was deemed the ringleader of the debacle.

As a result of missing out on promotion to the Premier League, fans were worried about losing their star players as well as missing out on bringing back some of the key loanees that helped Southampton storm up the table during the latter months of the campaign.

However, the Saints managed to convince both goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and striker Cyle Larin to commit their futures to the club, signing both permanently after excellent loan spells.

Additionally, defender James Bree signed a new three-year contract after his previous deal was set to expire.

Although it has been a positive start to the summer for Southampton, it feels inevitable that they may eventually have to allow other star players to move on.

Dragan Solak makes Leo Scienza claim

One of the Southampton players expected to attract interest this summer is winger Leo Scienza. The Brazilian enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign on the south coast last term which saw him named the club's player of the season.

Scienza registered seven goals and 10 assists in the Championship after signing on deadline day from Bundesliga side Heidenheim.

Supporters will be desperate to see the fan favourite stay at St.Mary's for at least one more season and any rumour of a potential outgoing will have them worried.

It is thought that there could be top-flight interest in the attacker this summer, and Solak has admitted that the 27-year-old is "maybe" a Premier League player.

In an interview with the Southern Daily Echo, the Southampton chairman reflected on the work of technical director Johannes Spors and shared an anecdote from last summer when the club was pushing to sign Scienza.

"Of course, when he came, the reason why we initially hired him was that I liked his presentation and what he wanted to do with the club," Solak said on Spors.

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"Then we had the experience of his first transfer window, and I felt it made sense. I remember he called me in the last hour of the last day of the window.

"He said, 'Dragan, we have this last hour to sign Scienza or not.' It was over the budget, so I had to say yes or no. I asked, 'Why do we need him?'

"Johannes explained, so I said, 'Yes, it's okay.' I am super glad I did, and that's the type of business he has brought, finding Scienza in Germany.

"Now everybody's like, 'Oh, he's a Premier League player.' Maybe he is, and he is probably, but how come nobody found him all these years there?"

Who could Southampton lose this summer?

Having signed Scienza on a four-year deal last summer, the Saints should be able to demand a significant transfer fee for the Brazilian if they are forced to sell.

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Additionally, midfielder Caspar Jander has been heavily linked with a return to Germany in the German media after joining Southampton from FC Nuremberg last summer.

There was also reportedly interest in January from West Ham United in defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who is a fan favourite at St.Mary's. However, it is unclear whether the Hammers will reignite their interest in the 24-year-old following relegation from the Premier League.

Midfielder Shea Charles has also been tipped to be one of the Saints' most valuable assets.

As much as Southampton fans won't want to hear it, the reality of the Saints' situation is that they will have to raise funds somewhere after failing to return to the Premier League last season.