- Brazilian winger high on Palace’s radar
- Fierce competition for his signing
- Saints preparing for all outcomes
Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in the signing of Southampton’s Brazilian winger Léo Scienza, should the Saints fail to secure promotion to the top flight this season, per Ekrem Konur of SportsBoom,
Scienza is in his first season with the South Coast side, after signing from Bundesliga side 1. FC Heidenheim for £7 million. In 32 Championship appearances, Scienza has registered seven goals and provided eight assists.
Playing a key role in Saints’ miraculous 18-game unbeaten run, which included a win against Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter final, Tonda Eckert’s side looks destined for the play-offs. Currently occupying fifth place, Southampton have a game in hand over Middlesbrough and are just four points behind third-placed Millwall.
It’s understood that the club will make a decision on Scienza’s future depending on how they perform across the remainder of the Championship campaign and any potential play-off games they find themselves in.
Southampton’s Scienza strategy
For the club, there is a clear strategy to maximise Scienza’s impact. Either Saints gain promotion to the top flight and the Brazilian winger remains at the club, or they fall just short and a host of clubs will be keen to capture his signature.
Eckert views Scienza as the ‘brain’ of his attack, and whilst the club’s official stance is that the player is ‘not for sale’, it’s suggested that a strategic valuation has been set internally, with Saints likely to accept an offer in the region of £17-£22 million, aiming to double the outlay of £8 million they spent to sign him.
Southampton would use the sale to bolster their wage bill and invest in their defensive line, but will not rush to sell Scienza for anything less than they deem worthy.
Competition for the signature
Scienza has caught the eye this season, demonstrating a brilliant ability to cut inside on his right foot and score magnificent goals. His creativity and importance to the Southampton side are clear to see, the play often being forced down the left-hand side to allow Scienza to express himself.
Premier League sides view him as a promising squad option who has the capabilities to be very damaging in the final third.
Whilst Palace are reportedly interested and have even been scouting Scienza over the previous four games, AFC Bournemouth, Everton, Fulham and Leeds have all expressed interest, and the race to sign Scienza in the Summer is likely to be fierce.
