(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 8 April 2026 13:00, UK

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Southampton have already accepted that they won’t be able to keep hold of winger Leo Scienza this summer if they fail to secure promotion, sources have told Football Insider.

The Brazilian has emerged as a clear target for several mid-table Premier League clubs, many of whom were in attendance at St Mary’s for the Saints’ FA Cup victory over Arsenal last weekend.

Scienza significantly enhanced his reputation with his performance in that game, and sources say that the Championship side are ready to succumb to the interest if they are still in the second tier next season.

However, Tonda Eckert and Co. are “hopeful” that they may be able to keep the 27-year-old around if they can claw their way back into the top-flight.

The South Coast outfit climbed into the play-off positions after a 5-1 drubbing of Wrexham on Tuesday night, and are now on a 16-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Leo Scienza leads entire Championship for key stat

Scienza is still in just his first season in English football, but he has already proven to be an inspired buy for Southampton.

They paid just £7.8million to sign him from Bundesliga side Heidenheim after their relegation from the Premier League last term, and they are well-placed to make a sizeable profit already.

The wideman has 14 goal involvements to his name from just 31 league appearances so far this term, and he has been a key figure behind Southampton’s push towards the play-off picture in recent months.

Scienza has also established himself among the Championship’s elite attacking players, and he leads the entire division when it comes to big chances created so far this term.

He is also among the league’s leaders in terms of successful dribbles per 90 and expected assists per 90, showcasing the threat that he has carried in the final third this term.

Scienza’s performances have alerted several Premier League clubs to his interest, and they are all ready to pounce if Southampton do not get out of the Championship.

Southampton at risk of double Premier League raid

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this week that Nottingham Forest are keen to sign Shea Charles this summer, as Southampton could potentially lose multiple stars to the Premier League.

The 22-year-old has emerged on the radar of the East Midlands outfit as part of their aims to bolster their midfield ranks this summer, after some impressive performances in the second tier.

Charles is another star who could move on if Eckert’s men do not secure promotion at the end of the campaign, with the Saints at risk of a double raid from above for him and Scienza.

They have enjoyed a hugely positive spell on the pitch in recent weeks, but they could be facing a very difficult summer if they do not get over the line at the end.