Sources: Southampton 'confident' of blocking star player's move to Leeds
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(Credit: Imago) Sun 19 April 2026 12:00, UK Leo Scienza has emerged as a leading target for Leeds United, but Southampton are confident they can keep hold of him, sources have told Football Insider.Leeds are among a number of Premier League clubs keeping tabs on the 27-year-old who has lit up the Championship since joining from Heidenheim last summer.Following a late 2-1 win against Swansea City last time out, the Saints remain in contention for an automatic promotion place, although the playoffs are more likely.As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Scienza is likely to remain at Southampton if they win promotion to the Premier League.There is also a feeling at St Mary’s that he could stay regardless of their status after the form they have shown lately, but he remains a key target for Leeds and their rivals. 🔄 Leeds United Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Elland Road boardroom. VISIT THE LEEDS TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES How could Southampton stop Leo Scienza joining Leeds?Football Insider warned on 17 April that Southampton could be forced to sell Scienza if they do not win promotion, putting Leeds and their rivals on alert.Amid a growing feeling he is ready to step up to the Premier League, the Brazilian could be lured away from St Mary’s, although it is not certain as things stand.Leo ScienzaStats 2025-26Appearances38Starts31Minutes Played2445Goals7Assists10Leo Scienza’s stats for Southampton in 2025-26.
(via Transfermarkt)His Championship displays have attracted plenty of high-profile attention, but Southampton believe they are in a strong position to retain his signature.Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “There’ll be a number of clubs who will look at Leo Scienza.“A real great pick up from Southampton when they signed him from Heidenheim in Germany, he’s been outstanding for them since his arrival.“Southampton will be keen to keep hold of him. “Especially if they win promotion, they’ll be confident that they can keep hold of Scienza because they will be able to offer him Premier League football.“I’m sure there will be Premier League clubs, not just Leeds, who’ll be willing to offer the skilful winger that chance to play at the highest level as well.“But Southampton will be hopeful that they’ve shown enough in the closing stages of this season to try and convince their best players to stay, even if they don’t go up.“If they do win promotion to the Premier League they’ll be pretty confident that they can keep hold of Scienza, and their other players as well.”Which other players could leave Southampton?Scienza is not the only star player Southampton are hopeful of keeping at St Mary’s beyond the end of the season if they win promotion to the Premier League.Shea Charles has been outstanding under Tonda Eckert, and his half-time substitution changed the game against Swansea after he scored the equaliser to get them on terms.Credit: ImagoFormer Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest want Charles and have been keeping close tabs on him.His winning goal against Arsenal to send Southampton into the FA Cup semi-finals sparked interest from a number of top clubs ahead of the transfer window.However, Eckert hopes to keep hold of his best players, and promotion to the Premier League should be enough to ensure they stick around. 🚨 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Leeds United Insider Access Get the full story from Elland Road and Thorp Arch with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of West Yorkshire.