Southampton have agreed a deal to sign Heidenheim winger Léo Scienza, despite a late bid from Ligue 1 side Paris FC.
Léo Scienza has been given permission to travel to England after Southampton’s bid was accepted on deadline day. Personal terms were agreed between the club and player last week.
Paris FC attempted to hijack this deal, with Léo Scienza considering the offer, but he has made up his mind and will touch down in England for his medical imminently.
Southampton manager Will Still has been after a left winger to compete with young prospect Jay Robinson this summer, and the departure of Chilean Ben Brereton-Diaz to Derby County has allowed room to bring in Léo Scienza.
Despite some claims, the possible departure of Saints outcast Sam Edozie was never a factor in this deal, with Southampton Sporting Director Johannes Spors looking to complete this coup either way.
Léo Scienza Science
So far this season, Scienza has featured in three games for Heidenheim and scored three goals. He looks an exciting, technical dribbler who will only boost Southampton’s resolve in gaining promotion from the Championship.
The 26-year-old has spent the majority of his career in Germany, but looks to move to England to achieve the ultimate Premier League goal. In 86 senior games in Deutschland, Léo Scienza has scored 36 goals and made 16 more.
Rejecting a Ligue 1 club to join a second-tier side in England only highlights the strength of the football pyramid in England, and the lucrative dream of the Premier League that is.
Scienza will be Southampton’s second Brazilian signing over the last year, following in the footsteps of full-back Welington, who joined on a free from São Paulo.
This deal is set to be Southampton’s eighth deal of the summer, with Johannes Spors directing the Will Still rebuild.
