Chelsea are widely believed to have sealed a 2026 deal for Brighton starlet Julio Enciso via their sister club Strasbourg, with the 21-year-old poised to spend one year in Ligue 1 before switching to Stamford Bridge.
Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media sources confirmed the news earlier this week, and it is a transfer which has received due praise considering Enciso's sky-high potential.
The Paraguay international, tipped to become a legend for his country, has already displayed real glimpses of his talent in the Premier League - even scoring against Chelsea and notching an assist during their 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town in April - when he was on loan at Portman Road.
£17 million for a youngster of his calibre could be seen as a real steal by BlueCo, and they were helped by the fact his Brighton contract was due to expire next year.
By joining Strasbourg on loan this season, Enciso will gain valuable minutes in France, and in a league well known for developing attacking players.
Enciso-Ipswich
Chelsea’s strategy to nurture him abroad reflects a clear plan: allow him to mature in a competitive environment before embracing the pressures of west London. For BlueCo, who have doubled down on signing young, high-upside players, Enciso fits the model perfectly.
Versatility is one of his standout traits. Primarily deployed as an attacking midfielder, Enciso is equally comfortable drifting in from the left wing or supporting as a second striker.
Statistically, his 2024/25 season tells a balanced story. While appearances for Brighton’s first team were limited - 12 in total - his productive loan spell at Ipswich yielded two goals and three assists in just 13 outings.
Journalist shares Julio Enciso to Chelsea twist after BlueCo deal
While the prospect of his eventual move to Chelsea is an enticing one, journalist Graeme Bailey is actually reporting information contrary to other sources.
Julio Enciso
Indeed, it is believed that Enciso's 2026 Chelsea transfer is actually no guarantee after all, and he'll have to prove his worth at Strasbourg first before Maresca's side consider it.
“BlueCo love Enciso and have persuaded the player to move to Strasbourg first," Bailey told the Chelsea Chronicle.
"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.”
Given the lack of competitiveness across the channel when compared to the hustle and bustle of Premier League life, odds are that the former Club Libertad Asunción sensation will light up Ligue 1.
"He has an incredible showreel for a young player," said Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna after Enciso's stunning long-range strike at Everton in May.
"It is in some ways frustrating that we haven't had him for much of the season. He arrived late and had an injury. We are enjoying having him, it's a testament to him. He is a loan player and hasn't quite got the momentum we wanted but stuck at it.
"He is a talent and can make a difference. He made a big difference for us today and did the same at Stamford Bridge and Bournemouth."