FC Heidenheim's Leo Scienza celebrates scoring their first goal
FC Heidenheim's Leo Scienza celebrates scoring their first goal
Southampton have agreed a deal with FC Heidenheim to sign Brazilian forward Leonardo Scienza for £8.7m, reports Mark McAdam.
Southampton have been busy in the last few weeks of the transfer window, with much speculation over the futures of Tyler Dibling and Matheus Fernandes.
Dibling has now joined Everton for £40m, while Fernandes has signed for West Ham United in a package worth over £40m; two great deals for the Saints.
Southampton star Mateus Fernandes
Image courtesy of: PAUL CHILDS/REUTERS.
However, this has left them light in the attacking positions, meaning they have dove back into the transfer market to recruit more options for Will Still’s frontline.
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Name Age
Finn Azaz 24
Jay Robinson 18
Ryan Fraser 31
Samuel Edozie 22
Adam Armstrong 28
Ross Stewart 29
Cameron Archer 23
Kuruyu Matsuki 22
Damion Downs 21
While Finn Azaz has recently joined from Middlesbrough, it appears Will Still wanted another attacking player to join before the end of the transfer window.
Mark McAdam has now reported that Leonardo Scienza – a Brazilian forward, who currently plays for FC Heidenheim – is close to a move to Southampton, as the two clubs have agreed a deal worth £8.7m.
Scienza has started two games this season and scored in Heidenheim’s 3-1 loss to VFL Wolfsburg, but now looks set for a future in England.
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southampton, Southampton agree £8.7m swoop for Brazilian forward
southampton, Southampton agree £8.7m swoop for Brazilian forward
Who is this player?
Leonardo Scienza could make his debut against Southampton’s arch rivals
Southampton have picked up just five points from their opening four Championship matches, and now face an important fixture against Portsmouth after the international break.
The South Coast derby could be an important result in Southampton’s season, as a win could return them to the top half of the Championship, while a loss could see them continue to struggle before tough games against Middlesbrough and Liverpool coming up.
Southampton boss Will Still
Image courtesy of: JOHN SIBLEY/REUTERS.
Scienza could make his debut against Pompey, likely being one of the first choices in Will Still’s frontline due to his experience in Germany’s top flight.
Could Scienza signing prompt a late Southampton loan exit?
While Jay Robinson has been impressive in his cameos so far this season, it may be better if he moves on loan for the rest of the campaign if Scienza does join Southampton.
The 18-year-old will be competing with a wealth of experience in the Saints ranks and could be forced into a temporary departure if he wants to develop and play regularly.
Bolton Wanderers could be the perfect destination for the young attacking midfielder, as they could be set to lose John McAtee after another League One club submitted an offer for the former Luton Town man.