“We have to sit down and think” – Southampton ace opens door to summer move

Southampton’s FA Cup run has already forced Premier League clubs to take a closer look at Léo Scienza, but the Brazilian’s own comments now add an extra layer to a situation that is building towards a summer decision.

The 27-year-old has become one of Southampton’s standout performers during a strong run of form. He has grown into a key role after a slow start, helping the club put together a long unbeaten streak while also pushing for promotion from the Championship.

Interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Fulham, Everton and Leeds United has been in place for weeks, as we already covered.

However, Scienza himself is now openly framing his future around the Premier League, which aligns closely with the direction those clubs are exploring.

Player reveals Premier League ambition

Léo Scienza has made it clear that playing in the Premier League is central to his plans.

Speaking to Globo Esporte, he explained that joining Southampton was already part of that pathway. The club invested €9m (£7.7m) to sign him, with the aim of securing an immediate return to the top flight.

“This was my biggest objective when I signed here. I had opportunities in the first divisions in Spain, Italy and France. I chose to come here because of the project,” he said.

“To go straight back to the Premier League, which is the best league in the world. There is nothing higher at club level. I really hope we can achieve that with Southampton.”

He also left the door open to a move if promotion does not happen.

“If it doesn’t happen, we have to sit down after the season and think about the options.”

Momentum building at Southampton

Léo Scienza’s impact has been clear in recent months. He initially struggled for minutes as Southampton endured a difficult start to the campaign. However, once he broke into the team, he held his place and became a consistent attacking outlet.

The club are now on a long unbeaten run and remain firmly in the promotion race. They also eliminated Fulham and Arsenal from the FA Cup, setting up a semi-final against Manchester City.

Reflecting on the Arsenal win, he said: “Arsenal is one of the best teams in the world. We played on equal terms and deserved to win. It wasn’t luck. We played better and won.”

“It’s a lot of gratitude to be living this and always wanting to improve.”

“And now City on Saturday. It’s crazy. Until last year I was only playing with these players on PlayStation… It’s very difficult, but we managed to surprise so far and we will try to do it again.”

What happens next

Léo Scienza’s situation is now aligning on multiple fronts.

Southampton want promotion and are considering how to secure his long-term future. At the same time, Premier League clubs are continuing their evaluation, now with clearer financial parameters around a potential deal. Some of them already made moves.

If Southampton go up, the scenario is straightforward. If they do not, his own words suggest a decision will follow quickly.

Either way, the direction is becoming increasingly clear. Léo Scienza is planning his next step around the Premier League – with or without Southampton.