(Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung)

Jacob Raw

Tue 19 May 2026 13:10, UK

Everton will not have an option to trigger a release clause to sign Southampton’s Leo Scienza this summer, contrary to previous reports from Brazil.

The Toffees are expected to be in the market for more attacking reinforcements this summer, and the Brazilian playmaker is one to watch.

Everton scouts have watched Scienza on multiple occasions this season, and were at St. Mary’s Stadium to watch him and Southampton take down Arsenal in the FA Cup.

The winger has been on fire for the Saints this campaign, attracting interest from multiple Premier League clubs, including Tottenham and Aston Villa, as well as other European outfits.

Everton could sign Scienza this summer, and it would ask questions of David Moyes‘ plans in the final third.

Leo Scienza transfer ‘possible’ for £26m

Everton scouts have been watching Scienza “closely”, and their mission to find a Premier League-ready winger was successful.

The 27-year-old was only signed by Southampton last summer, but it’s been made clear that he will most likely be playing in one of Europe’s top five divisions, should the Saints not achieve promotion.

Scienza has been in red-hot form since Tonda Eckert took charge of Southampton on a full-time basis, and looks like a player worthy of starting for the Blues right now.

Sky Sports Germany has now reported that there is no release clause in the winger’s contract, as relayed by SaintExtra on X this Monday.

Instead, Everton may be able to sign Scienza with a transfer fee in the region of £26million or more this summer.

Scienza to Everton may depend on Southampton’s fate

Southampton are currently awaiting to find out the verdict on Spygate 2.0 after their first-team analyst was allegedly caught unlawfully filming Middlesbrough’s training session ahead of their Play-off semi-final encounter.

The Saints were reported to have been caught cheating before the first leg of the game, but since the two legs have concluded, with Scienza’s side running out 2-1 winners on aggregate.

Boro have asked the Independent Commission, who are dealing with the case, to do what is right for football integrity and kick Southampton out of the Play-offs ahead of a final at Wembley Stadium against Hull City.

Lots of Saints fans feel confident that if they are promoted, Scienza will stay.

However, even if Southampton are allowed to compete in the final for a spot in the Premier League, that doesn’t mean they will emerge victors, with Everton watching keenly.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.