After a disastrous end to last season due to the Spygate controversy, Southampton fans have had something to cheer about again after a hectic start to the Saints’ summer activities.

Missing out on the Championship play-off final was a devastating blow for the south coast club, which was kicked out after defeating Middlesbrough and docked four points after pleading guilty to spying on a Borough training session, as well as Oxford United and Ipswich Town earlier this season.

Chairman Dragan Solak has already spoken out publicly about the matter, reaffirming his support for head coach Tonda Eckert, who was accused of orchestrating the catastrophe.

Fans were concerned about losing their great players and not being able to re-sign some of the key loanees who helped Southampton storm up the table in the final months of the season.

However, the Saints were able to persuade both goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and striker Cyle Larin to commit their futures to the club, signing both permanently following successful loan periods.

Additionally, defender James Bree got a new three-year contract after his previous one expired.

Although Southampton’s summer has begun well, it appears that they will eventually have to let additional key players leave.

Dragan Solak makes the Leo Scienza claim.

Leo Scienza, a winger for Southampton, is anticipated to draw interest this summer. Last season, the Brazilian had a great debut on the south coast, earning him the club’s player of the season award.

Scienza had seven goals and ten assists in the Championship after joining on deadline day from Bundesliga club Heidenheim.

Supporters will be keen for the fan favourite to continue at St. Mary’s for at least one more season, and any rumours of a possible departure will worry them.

The attacker is expected to be of interest to top-flight clubs this summer, and Solak has revealed that the 27-year-old might “maybe” play in the Premier League.

In an interview with the Southern Daily Echo, Southampton chairman commented on technical director Johannes Spors’ performance and revealed an incident from the club’s push to sign Scienza last summer.Of course, when he arrived, the reason why we initially hired him was because I loved his presentation and what he wanted to do with the club,” Solak stated on Spors.

“Then we had the experience of his first transfer window, which I thought made sense. He called me at the end of the window’s time frame.He said, ‘Dragan, we have this last hour to sign Scienza or not.’ It exceeded the budget, so I had to say yes or no. I inquired, “Why do we need him?”Johannes explained, so I replied, ‘Yes, it’s okay.’ I am really delighted I did, and that’s the type of business he has introduced, finding Scienza in Germany.Now everyone is like, ‘Oh, he’s a Premier League player.”Maybe he is, and he probably is, but how come no one has found him in all these years?”

Who might Southampton lose this summer?

The Saints, who acquired Scienza on a four-year contract last summer, should be able to demand a high transfer fee for the Brazilian if they are forced to sell.

Furthermore, midfielder Caspar Jander has been heavily linked with a return to Germany by the German media since joining Southampton from FC Nuremberg last summer.

In January, West Ham United reportedly expressed interest in defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who is a fan favourite at St. Mary’s. However, it is uncertain whether the Hammers will renew their interest in the 24-year-old following their relegation from the Premier League.

Midfielder Shea Charles is also expected to be one of the Saints’ most valued assets.

As much as Southampton fans may not want to hear it, the reality is that the Saints will need to raise finances someplace after failing to return to the Premier League last season.