(Credit: Manh Tung/ Breaking Media)

Jacob Raw

Mon 30 March 2026 11:40, UK

Leeds United will be in the market for new forwards this summer, and Southampton’s Leo Scienza could be a smart signing to make.

The Whites will have different plans depending on which division they are in, but Scienza is someone who could come to Elland Road regardless.

The Brazilian is a natural winger, but has also featured in a number 10 role, while playing a system similar under Tonda Eckert to the one Daniel Farke deploys.

Leeds Live writer Brian Dick believes the Southampton star is someone Leeds could cherry-pick this summer, and has described his ability as “unplayable”.

The 49ers could make a move for Scienza, but the price that the attacker may be available for also depends on what happens with Southampton this campaign.

Southampton may not be able to keep Leo Scienza this summer

Southampton signed Scienza for a fee in the region of £8million this summer from German side FC Heidenheim.

It’s a good suggestion for the Whites to pursue, because he is a player who knows how to play the number 10 role behind the striker in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

There’s every chance that Southampton will end up coming up to the Premier League with Leeds going the opposite way at this stage of the season, and in that case, a transfer would almost certainly be off the table.

However, if Leeds do stay up and the Saints remain in the Championship, Scienza would have the right to ask for permission to speak to other clubs, with his talent clear to see.

It would be no surprise to see the forward have doubled his price tag while at St. Mary’s Stadium, but it would still be a value that would be well within Leeds’ reach this summer.

The ‘number 10’ role is key to unlocking new Leeds level; here’s why

When Farke made the move away from his traditional 4-2-3-1 formation, many Leeds fans were shocked, with the German usually stubborn over his tactics.

However, the Whites have seen a clear improvement in displays over the last few months that now have them in a strong position heading into the final seven games of the Premier League.

• Farke tested out the three-at-the-back formation against Manchester City back in November
• Since then, Leeds have won six games in all competitions
• They have since only lost four times in 21 games

Farke has deployed three different types of the system, one with a striker partnership, another with wingers, and a third setup with two number 10’s.

Having number 10’s that know how to play in that role behind the striker, while also occupying wide spaces, is crucial.

That’s why the 49ers and Farke may see Scienza as crucial in taking Leeds to the next level.