- Aston Villa are one of five Premier League clubs interested in Southampton winger Léo Scienza
- The Brazilian has been a star player for the Saints in the Championship this season
- His release clause is £25 million
This summer could be a very important period for Aston Villa, as they look to continue their consistent growth by potentially having a squad refresh. On their list of targets is Southampton winger Léo Scienza.
According to RTI Esporte in Brazil, they are one of five Premier League clubs interested in the 27-year-old, who has become a key player for the Saints in the Championship this season.
Tottenham, Fulham, Everton and Leeds United are the other four said to be monitoring his progress.
Despite only signing at the start of the current campaign, the Brazilian has a contract until June 2029 worth just under £25,000 per week. It also includes a release clause of £25 million.
Where Southampton finish the season will be a huge factor in deciding his future. Should they be promoted to England’s top-flight, then they will be in a stronger position to ward off any suitors. However, if they fail to do so, then a lower price could be negotiated.
Consistency in the Championship
Scienza has been a consistent player for Tonda Eckert’s side, following his £7.8 million move from FC Heidenheim in the Bundesliga on deadline day last summer.
So far, he has played 32 times in the Championship, of which he started 27, scoring 7 goals and registering 8 assists. On FotMob, he has an average rating of 7.40.
In his previous outing, against Derby County, the left winger equalised for Southampton, before beginning the phase of play that led to the winner, as it finished 2-1. Scouts from the five clubs interested were reportedly in attendance at St Mary’s.
Where does he fit at Villa?
Given that Scienza can also play as an attacking midfielder, Unai Emery could utilise him either in the second striker role, as a No 10, or on the left-hand side.
The current options in those areas are Morgan Rogers, Emi Buendia, John McGinn, and Youri Tielemans, although the latter mainly plays in the double pivot.
Emery likes to have two players for each position, who can offer slightly different things, to enable him to adapt his system depending on the opponent they play.
As the summer approaches, Rogers’ future at the club is growing with uncertainty, and since Villa was open to letting Buendia go last year, they may do so again.
This means that Scienza would be a good depth option to maintain the healthy balance of the squad, should one of those leave. However, one would assume if Rogers were to depart, then the Villans would target a higher calibre of player.
