Leo Scienza: Aston Villa interest spells the end for Leon Bailey, Southampton to accept exit
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Scienza has notched six goals and eight assists during his debut campaign in the Championship, and Southampton are now set to face a battle to keep hold of him for next season.Aston Villa’s transfer plans are taking shape ahead of the upcoming window, and any move for Scienza looks set to have major implications elsewhere in the squad. 🔄 Aston Villa Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on signings, departures, and contract news from the Aston Villa boardroom. Scienza (Championship)StatsBailey (PL)31 (26)Apps (Starts)9 (2)14G/A10.63G/A per 900.272.23Chances Created per 902.412.23Successful Dribbles per 901.071.47Shots on Target per 900.27Scienza’s 2025-26 league stats compared to Bailey’s, as per Fotmob.They are hopeful that they may be able to convince him to stay if they can secure promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs, but even that could prove difficult given the race that is building for his signature.
Villa are likely well-placed to be at the front of that race this summer, given that they are set to be able to offer Champions League football to their targets. Aston Villa set plan for Leon Bailey replacement in JanuaryFootball Insider revealed back in February that Villa will accept any “suitable” offers for Bailey this summer, with Unai Emery still adamant that he sees no long-term future for the former Bayer Leverkusen man.The second city outfit took the decision to recall Bailey to ensure that they had enough depth to maintain their push for Champions League qualification, and never truly envisaged him becoming a key part of the team.
It has always been in their plans to try and sell Bailey this summer, and while they initially forfeited that chance by cutting short the loan-to-buy deal with Roma, it is inevitable that they try again this time around. They now appear to have identified their ideal replacement for him in Scienza, which is surely set to put the cogs in motion for his permanent departure if a deal can be struck. 🦁 ASTON VILLA INSIDER UPDATE 🦁 Get the inside track on the Villa Park dugout, transfer strategy, player wages, and technical leadership at Bodymoor Heath.