Southampton have put a £35 million price tag on winger Leo Scienza this summer, sources confirm, as Aston Villa’s Champions League push faces a block from St Mary’s.
The Saints sit fourth in the Championship on 80 points from 46 games with a recent run of win-draw-win-draw-draw, 15 points behind Coventry in the title race. Their next fixture is at home to Bristol City on 12 September 2026.
What’s the Scienza situation?
Villa want flair on the wings and have been tracking Scienza since late last season when he starred for Southampton in the Championship. The 27-year-old signed a four-year deal at St Mary’s in September 2025 after arriving from Heidenheim, and the club have no intention of selling this summer despite interest from Spurs and Villa.
Sources told Football Insider that Southampton’s valuation starts at £35m, a figure designed to price Villa out of a move. Scienza has seven goals and ten assists in 37 league games last season, but Villa must decide whether to meet that fee for a Championship player.
Why does it matter for Southampton?
Scienza is under contract until 2029 and Southampton’s owner is reluctant to lose him, according to the latest Transfer Insider podcast. The club have conceded just 56 goals this season while scoring 82, leaving them 15 points adrift of Coventry but still in the automatic spots.
With Southampton chasing a return to the Premier League, keeping Scienza is part of their plan. The winger’s blend of creativity and direct running has made him a key piece under Russell Martin’s system, and the board see him as non-negotiable at this stage.
What happens next for Villa?
Villa are also monitoring Julian Quinones of Al Qadsiah after his World Cup exploits for Mexico. The 29-year-old scored four goals in five games, including a round-of-16 strike against England, and netted 37 times in 35 Saudi league and cup matches last season.
Unai Emery’s side still need depth on the flanks, but the Scienza valuation raises questions over whether they’ll gamble £35m on a Championship winger. Their Champions League return adds urgency, yet the Saints’ stance leaves Villa weighing alternatives before the window slams shut.
