What it will take to unlock Leo Scienza deal as Everton transfer hope offered

Everton could be set to reignite their transfer interest in Leo Scienza.

The 27-year-old enjoyed a superb debut season in the Championship with Southampton last term.

He scored seven goals and provided 10 assists in 37 regular season appearances, cementing himself as a top player in the division.

As a result, his St Mary's form has put his name on Premier League transfer radars, with Everton having repeatedly been touted to him this summer.

But with Southampton's new season already off and running, Saints fans will be hoping the deadline can pass without any movement on that front.

However, it appears as though a late deadline-beating tussle could be about to ensue for the versatile midfielder.

What has been said about Everton-linked Leo Scienza's situation?

Everton have been scouting Scienza since last season, with the ex-Heidenheim star clearly a player they like.

Things had gone relatively quiet between the Toffees and Scienza over recent weeks though, as David Moyes focused on other additions.

But with the likes of Brennan Johnson and Christian Norgaard now through the door, attention could turn back to the Southampton man.

A certain newspaper claims on Tuesday that Saints are now facing a fight to keep hold of Scienza, with Premier League sides now circling his services.

Southampton reportedly want to keep as much of their core from last season together for 2026-27, and that of course includes Scienza.

However, the report claims that the possibility is still there that he could leave St Mary's before the deadline, but only if a "big" bid is tabled.

Scienza's goal contributions were excellent last season, but just how good were his underlying numbers in the Championship?

How Scienza dominated his Championship rivals in 2025-26

For what was his first season in English football, Scienza certainly announced himself with a bang.

Everton have, of course, already signed one of the Championship's standout talents in Hayden Hackney this summer, proving its a market they trust.

And as the data proves, the Toffees should have no reason not to put their faith in it once again with Scienza.

As per FotMob, none of Scienza's positional rivals in the Championship last season bettered his 37 shots on target, 21 big chances created or his 98 fouls won.

In addition to that, his 59 successful dribbles ranked him in the leading 1.9 per cent of Championship left wingers.

Scienza also took 148 touches in the opposition box, delivered 42 successful crosses, created 60 chances and took 84 shots on goal.

So, whilst he'd still cost a pretty penny, Everton could land a playmaking machine in Scienza for on a relatively budget-friendly deal this summer.