Southampton’s superstar Leo Scienza was a standout player in the 2025/26 Championship.
The 27-year-old was named in the division’s team of the season and became a St Mary’s fan favourite, delivering 7 league goals and 10 assists.
What made the Brazilian such a pleasure to watch was the freedom he seemed to possess when he had the ball. Southampton’s signing from Heidenheim regularly found exciting routes to goal and dragged his team forward.
Three competitive games into the new campaign, some talk amongst Saints fans is that Scienza is off his game - or even perhaps disinterested amid the transfer window.
Fans jumping the gun
Scienza clearly struggled against Watford and Stoke City to get fully up to speed after being knocked off his feet and hobbling around early.
The winger, who was so key to them last season, had shoulder issues in the week leading up to the Stoke match. Claims that he was disinterested feel unfair for a player who has given nothing but his all in his first year at the club.
While there will surely be plenty of interest in his services in the transfer window, Southampton’s asking price will undoubtedly be high - perhaps too much for a side a step up to pay for a 27-year-old.
With Taylor Harwood-Bellis potentially departing after being left out of Tonda Eckert’s first home matchday squad of the season, keeping hold of their key players is essential now.
Time for momentum to build
Leaving Scienza out for a rest in the Saints’ cup tie against fellow Championship opposition West Ham United on Tuesday night could be a clever decision for Tonda Eckert to make.
With the likes of Sam Edozie, Romeo Akachukwu and Lewis Dobbin pushing for starts, Southampton aren’t short of options should the 27-year-old winger need to sit out.
In a game that they shouldn’t prioritise, as all focus needs to be on promotion from the Championship in the 2026/27 campaign, Southampton will have the chance to assess fringe alternatives.
However, it’s clear to see Scienza isn’t ‘disinterested’ or wanting out of Southampton. The Brazilian is a huge asset to the club and a credit to himself. After a midweek rest and potentially sitting out a match against a Millwall side who won’t give him a moment’s peace, Leo Scienza should be back up to speed and full of momentum heading into the season.
Verdict: Scienza is no stranger to a short-lived loss of form. He will soon be back to his brilliant best.
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