Leo Scienza has gradually established himself in top-tier professional soccer. He’s currently a regular starter for FC Southampton, but would always choose Schalke 04 over them.

Anyone who has followed Leo Scienza’s development is unlikely to be surprised by his performance this season. Last summer, Scienza joined FC Southampton, which had just been relegated to England’s second division at the time.

And he’s done it just as he’s always done in the past. Scienza has earned a starting spot and hasn’t relinquished it since. In 23 competitive matches for Southampton FC, he’s scored three goals and provided four assists.

“There’s definitely room for more—I’m not satisfied. But it’s been okay so far—after all, I moved to a new country and a new club. I was able to play right away and was almost always in the starting lineup. I’ve scored a few goals and provided some assists, but given my abilities and qualities, there could be many more. As a team, we’re not consistent right now. It’s always easier for a player when things are going well for the team,” Scienza said in an interview with “transfermarkt.de.”

Southampton marks the next chapter in a career that began with his move from Fanna BK in Sweden to FC Schalke 04 II in Germany in late summer 2020. In two years, Scienza—himself an ardent Schalke fan—has scored 15 goals and provided 17 assists in 59 Regionalliga matches.

But Schalke had repeatedly failed to sign the standout offensive player from the fourth division. According to information from this editorial team, the Royal Blues could have signed or brought in Scienza a total of three times.

Now he has outgrown the Royal Blues for the time being, has proven himself as a top-flight player in Germany, and is earning good money in England. And yet, a return to the Royal Blues is always on his mind. He has made that very clear.

“The one thing I didn’t want in my career was to leave Schalke. I was very sad about it because, as a Schalke fan, I really wanted to stay with the club I love. My biggest dream in life is to one day play as a pro at the Veltins-Arena for a year. I had two wonderful years with the U23s, but unfortunately didn’t get the chance to play for the first team back then. If Schalke were to call, we’d have to talk (laughs).”

Clear words that are sure to please the Royal Blues’ fans. With Timo Becker, Schalke already has a fan in its own ranks. Someday, Scienza wants to be the next one.