Southampton told they're 'extremely lucky' to have £20k-a-week star amid QPR heroics - transfer fear raised | OneFootball

FLW’s Southampton fan pundit has commented on the impact of Leo Scienza in red and white.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Southampton have had a bitterly disappointing start to their 2025-26 Championship campaign, but will be hopeful a midweek win away at Queens Park Rangers can be the turning point.

After parting ways with Will Still last weekend, Under-21’s boss and interim first-team coach Tonda Eckert took charge of the side for their trip to Loftus Road, and helped the Saints end a winless run of five league matches with victory in West London.

The South Coast outfit triumphed 2-1 for a much-needed three points, as goals from Jay Robinson and Leo Scienza lifted the club up to 19th in the table and six points clear of the relegation zone.

It’s a weight off the club’s shoulders as the hierarchy still seeks to appoint Still’s successor, with the interim team set to take charge of their final game before the international break against relegation-bound Sheffield Wednesday.

Southampton “lucky to have” Leo Scienza as transfer fear outlined

In a season of much gloom and doom so far, Brazilian attacker Scienza has kept Saints fans optimistic about his early impact so far.

Estimated to earn £20,000 a week, Scienza was the club’s ninth and final signing of the summer transfer window, joining from FC Heidenheim on deadline day.

Predominantly occupying a place on the left-wing, the 27-year-old has found his shooting boots in recent times, netting in an away defeat to Blackburn Rovers before getting on the scoresheet in West London on Wednesday to help the team earn a vital three points.

From his recent contributions, Saints fans have been lauding the attacker on social media, and there’s a growing belief his presence can help the South Coast outfit be a lot more potent in the final third and help the club rise up the table after a slow start.

With this in mind, FLW’s Southampton fan pundit has discussed Scienza’s impact for the club and whether he sees any future interest developing after his eye-catching performances so far.

Speaking to Football League World, Southampton fan pundit Martin Sanders has admitted that Scienza is already turning into a fan favourite following his form in front of goal, and expects transfer interest to emerge in the Brazilian, particularly if the club isn’t in contention for an immediate return to the Premier League.

“He’s certainly a top player: he’s Brazilian,” Martin joked.

“He’s developed late in his career, by the looks of it. His career has been quite an interesting progression, but he shows passion, commitment, and he’s everything that a football fan wants to see.

“The fans absolutely love him already, and I can absolutely see why. I love him. The goal he scored last night was brilliant, the goal at Blackburn was good, but last night’s goal was just calm and collective. The way he travels with the ball, he doesn’t panic, he’s a proper player.

“I’ve really enjoyed watching him, and we’re really lucky to have him. There’s no doubt clubs will come sniffing for him because he’s a great talent, and he’s slotted in like an absolute dream.

“He's the best of our summer signings by quite some way and I do think clubs will, of course, be interested. He's a standout talent for a team potentially not in contention for getting promoted, so clubs will come and have a look at him, for sure.”

Leo Scienza can play a massive part for Southampton this season

Leo Scienza’s quality was epitomised by his stunning strike against QPR in midweek.

Picking the ball up in his own half, he showed a desire to drive at defenders, possessed sharp close control and then had the presence of mind to bend his shot into the far corner.

That piece of magic turned out to be crucial in Southampton securing a morale-boosting three points, and there will be hope that the Brazilian can continue to unleash some more sensational efforts to keep the goals flowing at the top end of the pitch.

He’s a player who has no fear at the moment, and when the club is in a dark moment like it is, those are the type of figures you need to break out of such a rut.

It's clear to see why he’s so popular already with the Saints supporters, and after getting an introduction into the second tier, he now seems to be finding his feet and stamping his authority on games, which is a delight to see.

Of course, future transfer speculation will be a concern if he continues to produce these moments in front of goal, so the Saints will have to do everything in their power to be in the promotion conversation by the end of the season to make sure they fend off any interest that may come their way in the coming months.