Chelsea underwent a change in ownership in 2022 when the BlueCo consortium, led by American businessman Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, took over from Roman Abramovich. The group also holds a majority stake in Ligue 1 club Strasbourg, which they acquired in 2023. They have faced a lot of criticism since then but at the moment, both clubs seem to be moving in the right direction.
Both Chelsea and Strasbourg have been involved in a lot of business in the past two years due to the shared ownership. One prime example of this policy is Andrey Santos, who spent last season on loan at the Frenchman and is now in Enzo Maresca's first-team after impressing with his performances.
This summer, players like Mike Penders, Mamadou Sar, and Kendry Paez were sent on loan to the French club, while Mathew Amougou joined them permanently. Meanwhile, it looks like the two clubs could be involved in further transfers between them in the future, as Strasbourg have reportedly secured a deal for an individual expected to move to Chelsea in the future.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the BlueCo group has sealed a deal for Julio Enciso. An agreement has been reached with Brighton, and the medical has also been completed, with the Paraguayan international signing until 2030. The player joins Strasbourg immediately on a permanent deal, with a potential future at Chelsea.
Strasbourg sign Julio Enciso from Brighton with the possibility of a future Chelsea move
Enciso appeared in 29 matches while scoring three goals and providing four assists for Brighton across all competitions last season. He primarily plays in the number 10 role, but can also operate in several other positions, including on the left flank and as a striker. For a while, it had looked like the move had collapsed, so this comes as a welcome transfer twist for Chelsea and Strasbourg fans.
Previously, reports have claimed that the Paraguayan will move to Stamford Bridge next summer after spending a year in France. But then, there have been counter suggestions that nothing is for certain and a move could materialise if Enciso impressed in France.
That said, these are just rumours at this point, and nothing has been confirmed as of yet regarding his move to Chelsea. So, only time will tell what will happen. For now, the Blues must focus on bringing in Alejandro Garnacho and finalising the last moves before the transfer window shuts in two days.