Scienza handed Southampton’s number seven as historic shirt changes hands | OneFootball

Southampton have confirmed their 2026-27 squad numbers, with Scienza promoted to the storied number seven.

According to Sainstmarching.com, Daniel Peretz takes number one after completing a permanent move from Bayern Munich, with Alex McCarthy’s switch to Leicester City leaving it vacant. Caspar Jander moves to number eight, Lewis Dobbin takes 11 and Cam Bragg 26.

Scienza steps up from 13 to seven, a shirt largely defined by two predecessors since squad numbers began at St Mary’s.

Matt Le Tissier signed in 1985 and stayed 16 years, retiring in 2002 with 209 goals in 540 games and as the first midfielder to reach 100 Premier League goals. Supporters called him Le God, his loyalty as cherished as his finishing.

Rickie Lambert arrived in August 2009 from Bristol Rovers amid administration, League One and a 10-point deduction, scoring 30 despite a play-off near miss. Southampton won promotion in 2010-11 and he was top scorer. They went up again 12 months later into the Premier League. He was Player of the Year in both campaigns.

Scienza shared last season’s player and fans’ player awards, which the Daily Echo linked to the timing of his number change. His Fotmob average was 7.36 across the Championship, with seven goals in 37 games and 10 assists.

Five clubs are tracking him this summer and Southampton have reportedly set a £35 million valuation before any sale talks. Whether that interest fades once the season starts, or grows, remains to be seen.

Source: Sainstmarching.com