The Spanish team Real Sociedad is among a number of European clubs interested in Saints player Leo Scienza. Italian sides Como and Atalanta, fellow Spanish team Real Betis, and the Premier League club Crystal Palace also hold an interest in the 27-year-old Brazilian and Luxembourgish forward. Speculation about the player's future was expected after Southampton did not secure promotion to the Premier League, following Scienza's successful first season after signing from German Bundesliga club Heidenheim in September 2025. It is reported that Saints are hopeful of keeping him and would require a significant offer to approve his departure, as they will only sell valuable players if the deal is suitable for them. His contract runs until 2029, and his market value, according to Transfermarkt, is €12.00m. Reports from mid-2026 mentioned a potential release clause between €25 million and €29 million, while Southampton's asking price was reported to be approximately €30 million.