Brighton’s summer narrative has taken another twist, as head coach Fabian Hurzeler confirmed that Julio Enciso is in discussions over a possible departure. The Paraguayan forward, once heralded as a long-term piece of Brighton’s project, could now be set to continue his career elsewhere.
Blue Co., the ownership group behind Chelsea, are understood to be finalising a deal for Enciso. The plan would see the 21-year-old initially join Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, a club also under their umbrella, before any potential move to Stamford Bridge is considered. Reports suggest a fee of around £17 million is on the table.
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Hurzeler’s Perspective on Enciso
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“There are some rumours, there are some talks, but nothing is done yet so we can’t comment on that,” said Hurzeler during his Thursday press conference.
His words carried a balance of pragmatism and perspective. Enciso’s time on the south coast has been punctuated by moments of promise, but also adaptation struggles. Hurzeler acknowledged this reality with a measured tone:
“I wouldn’t say it didn’t work. Some players perform better in some environments. Some players struggle with some cultural things. But overall I wouldn’t say it was a bad time if he were to leave.”
Potential Untapped
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Enciso’s spell at Brighton never quite crystallised into the consistent impact many expected. Yet Hurzeler was keen to emphasise that the forward’s reputation remains intact across Europe.
“He is still a very young player with big potential. If big clubs are interested in him, I would say he didn’t play well or have a good time here in Brighton. You can see there is a big interest in him because he has big potential, because he showed great stuff for us.”
What Brighton Lose If He Leaves
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For Brighton, losing Enciso would not be a failure so much as a reminder of the club’s role in the modern football ecosystem: identifying talent, offering a platform, and then seeing players move on. Hurzeler summed it up with quiet acceptance:
“Overall there are some things that for sure could be better regarding the environment, regarding the culture things. But I think it wasn’t a bad period so far.”
Enciso’s next step looks likely to lie in France, but the echoes of his potential will linger at Brighton. For a club built on progression, his story may become just another chapter in a pattern that has made them one of English football’s most intriguing sides.