Any doubts over Southampton star Leo Scienza’s injury have been settled after Tonda Eckert’s Tuesday press conference, where the German head coach confirmed that the winger has returned to Saints training.
But the Brazilian is set to face plenty of transfer interest this summer, after Sky Sports Germany’s latest update revealed how much he is valued at by the Saints' higher-ups.
Growing transfer speculation
Southampton’s Leo Scienza is the subject of enquiries from clubs in the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga and Brazil - Saints would demand 'at least €20m’ [£17.3m] for any move, reports Sky Sports Germany.
The newfound fan favourite, who joined on a four-year deal until 2029 on deadline day in September, has impressed many onlookers, and it is no wonder that the rumour mill is already swirling.
No player in the Championship has created as many big chances as Scienza this season (19), three more than anyone else.
Six goals and eight assists to his name are impressive, but don’t sum up his contributions to Southampton well enough - he has been absolutely vital since winning a place in the side.
Southampton will be absolutely desperate to keep hold of Scienza this summer. A player who has made it clear that he’s in England to play Premier League football, the club know that promotion this May could keep his services for a while longer.
Injury doubts written off
An injury away at West Bromwich Albion left Saints fans holding their breath as Scienza limped off the Hawthorns turf last Wednesday, but Tonda Eckert has provided a positive update, and the injury was not as bad as first feared.
Tonda Eckert on team news: “Leo [Scienza] and Ross [Stewart] have been on the pitch today. We will see tomorrow. Jay [Robinson] has been with the team. Welington will have his first session on Thursday.”
It looks as if Scienza could manage minutes in Saints’ home game against Norwich on Wednesday night, but the focus will be getting him match fit to start on Saturday versus Oxford United.
The welcome returns of Ross Stewart and Jay Robinson will also strengthen the Saints, ahead of crunch time in their bid for promotion through the Championship play-offs.
But Scienza’s return is an enormous addition for Tonda Eckert’s side, who everybody at Southampton will be hoping sticks around for years to come.