Léo Scienza has hinted that his future may be decided this summer, admitting that he and Southampton may need to reassess things at the end of the season if the club fails to secure promotion to the Premier League.
The Brazilian attacker has emerged as one of Southampton’s most influential players during the current campaign. After taking some time to settle following his arrival, the 27-year-old has developed into a crucial figure in the team, playing a major role in their improved performances, lengthy unbeaten run, and ongoing push for a return to the top flight from the Championship.
His recent displays, combined with Southampton’s impressive FA Cup journey, have also attracted significant attention from several Premier League sides. Clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Fulham, Everton, and Leeds United have all reportedly been monitoring his progress in recent weeks.
Scienza has now openly discussed his ambition to play in the Premier League, making it clear that reaching that level remains central to his career plans. In an interview with Globo Esporte, he explained that Southampton’s long-term vision was a major reason behind his decision to join the club.
He revealed that despite receiving offers from top-division teams in Spain, Italy, and France, he chose Southampton because of their project and their determination to earn immediate promotion back to England’s highest division.
According to Scienza, joining Southampton was driven by the opportunity to return directly to the Premier League, which he described as the best league in the world and the highest level possible in club football. He also expressed hope that this objective can still be achieved with Southampton.
However, the forward also acknowledged that if promotion does not happen, discussions about his future will become necessary once the season ends. He stated that both parties would need to sit down together and carefully consider the available options.
On the pitch, Scienza’s rise has mirrored Southampton’s revival. He struggled for regular game time during the early stages of the campaign when the club was going through a difficult period. But once he established himself in the starting lineup, he quickly became one of their most reliable attacking threats.
Southampton remain firmly in contention for promotion and have also enjoyed an impressive FA Cup run, knocking out strong opponents such as Fulham and Arsenal to reach the semi-finals, where they are set to face Manchester City.
Reflecting on the victory over Arsenal, Scienza praised his team’s performance, insisting they deserved to win and competed as equals against one of the world’s strongest sides. He emphasized that the result was no fluke, saying Southampton played better and earned the victory through merit.
He also spoke emotionally about the opportunity to compete against elite teams and players, expressing gratitude for his current journey and a constant desire to keep improving.
Looking ahead to the clash with Manchester City, Scienza admitted the experience feels surreal. He noted that only last year he was controlling many of those same players on a PlayStation game, yet now he is preparing to face them in real life. While acknowledging the challenge ahead, he said Southampton have already surprised many people and will try to do so again.
As the season enters its final stages, Scienza’s future appears increasingly tied to one key factor: Premier League football. If Southampton achieve promotion, staying at the club would seem the natural outcome. If they fall short, interest from top-flight teams and his own comments suggest a transfer decision could follow quickly.
One way or another, it is becoming clear that Scienza intends for his next career step to involve the Premier League—whether that is with Southampton or elsewhere.
