Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Wed 1 April 2026 18:10, UK

Leeds United have been backed to move for Southampton’s Leo Scienza this summer.

Recruitment plans will be at the back of everyone’s minds at Elland Road, with full focus on ensuring they can retain their spot in the Premier League ahead of the final seven games of the season.

Only once their league status is confirmed will the Whites turn their attention to their transfer plans, of which there will be many this summer.

If survival is achieved, Leeds have been backed to sign Scienza, in a transfer that would make very little sense given recent history with Wilfried Gnonto.

Leo Scienza transfer would be a backwards step for Leeds

If, and it is a big if, Leeds stay in the Premier League, their recruitment in the summer will need to be focused on improving the level of quality they already have in their squad.

Most of that focus is likely to be in the attacking areas, though Daniel Farke is unlikely to turn his nose up at the chance to bolster his squad elsewhere.

With that said, a move for Scienza, whose only good campaign at 27 years old has been with Southampton, would make absolutely no sense.

Leeds have Gnonto on the fringes of their squad, a player who put up even better numbers than Scienza has managed for the Saints in the current campaign, in just over 300 more minutes.

To sign a player like that would be an unnecessary risk for the Whites, who have other priorities to attend to.

Leeds have clear priority if Premier League survival is achieved

Providing they stay in the Premier League, Leeds will be in need of a new goalkeeper and a new striker, with the latter set to be vital.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin started the season in fine form, but has since managed just two Premier League goals since the end of December.

Signing a forward to take the weight off his shoulders will be paramount to their ability to progress, as will someone who can keep the ball out of the net, as simple as that sounds.