Southampton are now well and truly back in the Championship’s play-off conversation after a recent resurgence under Tonda Eckert.

The Saints’ campaign has been extremely mixed, to say the least, though, as they have been unable to assert themselves as automatic promotion contenders as a result of a severe underperformance under the management of Eckert’s predecessor, Will Still, and what could still be a costly run of form between December and mid-January after the German was handed the vacancy on a long-term basis.

Whilst their recent run of impressive Championship results and run to the FA Cup quarter-finals, where they will test their metal against Premier League leaders, Arsenal, has seen many players within the ranks step up to the plate, it would be fair to say that Southampton have been bailed out so many times by the quality of Brazilian winger, Leo Scienza.

The 27-year-old signed a four-year contract after Saints struck a €10m (£8.6m) deal with FC Heidenheim on Deadline Day back in September, and he has since hit double-figures for goal contributions ahead of the campaign’s final stretch.

However, it has been reported that clubs in the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga and his native Brazil have already lodged transfer inquiries over a summer move, forcing the South Coast side to slap a minimum €20m (£17.2m) valuation on Scienza’s shoulders.

With that being said, it perhaps could be a given to see the wide ace depart if Saints aren’t to achieve a first-time promotion back to the Premier League.

As a result, Football League World have identified three players who could fill the potential void he may leave behind.

Ibrahim Osman

The first of three potential alternatives on this list is Brighton and Hove Albion’s highly-rated Ghanaian winger and current Birmingham City loanee, Ibrahim Osman.

At this stage, it remains to be seen if the three-time international is fully ready to make the step-up into the Premier League as a regular for the Seagulls, but he has certainly impressed at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park in a short space of time.

Osman may not have the numbers to back this up, but his trickery, directness and sheer pace has been a problem for several opposition full-backs to contend with when selected to start in front of, or replace the experienced Demarai Gray within games for Blues.

Chris Davies has also spoken about how he hopes to continue coaching the £16m ace in a way in which such attributes only improve over time.

Whilst it may not be ruled out that Birmingham go back in for his services on an extended loan for the entirety of next season, Saints should potentially consider challenging the Midlands outfit, especially if they also remain in the second tier.

Pablo Pagis

Despite being a relative unknown in the ether of English football, the 23-year-old is enjoying a fine season with the Ligue 1 club, having provided nine goal contributions across just 21 appearances so far.

This comes after a total of four goals and seven assists for Lorient also helped them secure promotion from Ligue 2 last term, and it is no surprise that Pagis is aiming for the stars on a personal level, recently stating that, one day, he hopes to sign for FC Barcelona.

Given his current form, it could take Saints a hefty fee to lure Pagis to St Mary’s, especially if they are still in the Championship despite being of a greater stature than that of Lorient.

However, a major benefit to this potential signing is the playmaker’s ability to feature predominantly as either a left-winger or an attack-minded central midfield player.

Tyrique George

Last up is Chelsea’s Tyrique George, who was heavily linked with Saints in January before moving to Everton on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

At 20 years of age, the Londoner still has a way to go before he reaches his full potential, and that development could certainly be aided by a stint on the South Coast after a limited number of minutes at the Hill Dickinson Stadium thus far.

With George’s contract at Stamford Bridge also set to expire in June 2027 at present, the Blues could potentially sanction a permanent exit as they look to make some form of ‘pure profit’ on an academy graduate.

Again, though, this could hinge on Southampton’s divisional status, as George could certainly be attracted to the club given their reputation for developing high-profile wingers over the years such as Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott.