Chelsea are continuing to utilise their multi-club model to fantastic effect after completing a deal that will see Julio Enciso play at Strasbourg for the next 12 months.
The 21-year-old is on the way to the BlueCo club with a future at Chelsea in mind, however completed in a clever way that will not see them loan him there after already sending Kendry Paez, Mike Penders and Mamadou Sarr to the Ligue 1 club.
The signing will see the working relationship between Todd Boehly and Brighton continue, after Joao Pedro was added this summer to a list of additions that also include Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Robert Sanchez.
Enciso is now set for his medical, which is the only thing standing in his way from getting to work under Liam Rosenior in France.
Julio Enciso celebrates scoring during Paraguay vs Uruguay
Photo by DANIEL DUARTE/AFP via Getty Images
Chelsea have not guaranteed a Stamford Bridge move for Julio Enciso
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has exclusively told The Chelsea Chronicle that BlueCo are massive fans of the player, and see the deal as ‘great’.
However, he also stated that there are currently no promises in place that a move to the Chelsea first team is guaranteed at the end of the season.
He said: “BlueCo love Enciso and have persuaded the player to move to Strasbourg first. I am told that Chelsea insist there is no promise of a move to Stamford Bridge – however, like with every player within the structure, if they play well then they will get a chance.
“Enciso is happy to take on that challenge and he more than thinks he is good enough – so a big 12 months coming for him in France. But at €20m – BlueCo think this is a great deal for the organisation.”
Chelsea FC v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
Enciso always performs well against Chelsea
Chelsea fans will be well aware of the quality Enciso has after his incredible goal scored against them at Stamford Bridge in Frank Lampard’s first home game back in charge in 2023.
However, Enciso also starred against Chelsea for Ipswich Town last season as their hopes of a top four finish took a hit when they were held to a 2-2 draw.
At just 21, there is still so much more to come from the Paraguay international, and the Blues will be hoping to see that in Ligue 1 and the Conference League this season.
Strasbourg face Brondby in a two-legged tie to secure their place in Europe this season, with them hoping to recreate Chelsea’s winning campaign from last season.