How much Leo Scienza's Southampton FC release clause is - Saints taking action | OneFootball

Leo Scienza reportedly has a £25 million release clause in his current Southampton deal as Saints prepare to offer new terms for the Brazilian

Southampton, after a tough start upon their return to the Championship, have their eyes set on an immediate return to the Premier League under Tonda Eckert, and are looking to tie down one of its key assets.

Since Tonda Eckert took charge of Southampton after the departure of Will Still, the Saints haven't looked back.

The German has been truly instrumental in turning Southampton's fortunes around after a tricky start to life back in the second tier under previous boss Will Still, with automatic promotion not yet out of the question.

A 17-game unbeaten run, including victories over Premier League opposition Fulham and Arsenal, has seen confidence soar through the roof at St Mary's, as the Saints look almost certain for a top-six finish this year.

Promotion back to the Premier League now looks a real possibility, as the South Coast outfit prepare to offer fresh terms to one of their most valuable assets amid potential top-flight interest, with his release clause being revealed.

Leo Scienza has a £25 million release clause in his Southampton deal as the Saints prepare to offer fresh terms for the Brazilian winger

According to , 27-year-old winger Leo Scienza's current contract at St Mary's contains a £25 million release clause, which will almost certainly be triggered this summer if Southampton fail to secure promotion.

Having started life slowly on the South Coast, Scienza has exploded into life under Eckert, with his performances from the left flank earning his widespread praise, and reportedly attracting interest from Premier League sides such as Leeds United, Aston Villa, Everton, Fulham, and Tottenham Hotspur.

Seven goals and eight assists in 32 Championship games thus far since making the summer move from German side FC Heidenheim for a reported €8-10 million (£6.9-7.8 million) have seen him earmarked as one of the league's outstanding performers.

Though his game goes beyond direct goal contributions, with the Brazilian having created the most big chances in the league so far (19), whilst no player has been fouled as many times as him (88), as per FotMob.

RTI Esporte also report that Southampton are preparing to offer fresh terms to Scienza imminently in a bid to tie his long-term future down at St Mary's amid rumoured Premier League interest.

Southampton's best bet at retaining his services beyond this campaign will, of course, to be to secure promotion; he will likely be on the move otherwise.

Tonda Eckert will be hoping Leo Scienza commits his future to Southampton amid Premier League interest

Few people will be more reluctant to see Scienza leave Southampton this summer than head coach Tonda Eckert, with the German heavily reliant upon the Brazilian winger.

Since his appointment, Eckert has carefully managed Scienza's minutes in a bid not to overplay the Brazilian, and has done so with great effect.

If Eckert can guide the Saints to a remarkable promotion, then the 27-year-old's performances from the flank will be a huge reason for that success.

The German will be well aware of Scienza's contract terms, and will likely be doing everything he can to ensure his star man remains at the club beyond this campaign.

With Premier League sides swirling, he will know that promotion to the top flight will be his best bet at keeping him at the club.

In any case, Scienza either guides Southampton back to the Premier League, or he makes the club a significant profit after just a year, and though those connected to the club would of course prefer the first option, it's a win-win scenario for them.