Brighton saw Julio Enciso leave last summer in a deal structured by BlueCo, but the Paraguayan has now admitted he seriously considered a different path – and has hinted that the story may not be over.
In an interview with Brazilian journalist Tiago Leme, Enciso confirmed he held talks with Brazilian side Palmeiras during the July transfer window before opting to remain in Europe.
“I have great affection for Palmeiras. In fact, I have two Paraguayan teammates there, Gustavo Gómez and Ramón Sosa. I am also grateful to the captain, Gustavo, who spoke to me about it, but due to circumstances, it did not work out,” he said.
But he kept going. “In any case, I always ask Gustavo or Ramón for their shirt when I am with the national team, and that affection continues”.
Then he added: “I hope that at some point it can happen, but I am also grateful to everyone in the Palmeiras board who trusted me. As I said, due to circumstances, it did not work out.”
The tone is notable. Enciso did not dismiss the move. Instead, he described it as something that simply failed to materialise.
Decision to stay in Europe
At the time, Brighton were exploring solutions. Palmeiras pushed hard and proposed a deal, but convincing Enciso to leave Europe proved difficult.
Eventually, BlueCo stepped in. The group, which controls Chelsea and Strasbourg, signed him for £12.9m (€15m) plus bonuses.
The 22-year-old joined Strasbourg and is viewed internally as a long-term Chelsea option, with a potential pathway to Stamford Bridge from 2026/27.
Was it the right move?
Enciso’s comments inevitably raise questions. He left Brighton to continue in Europe, yet publicly speaks with warmth about a route that never happened – even though earlier reports claim he“got what he wanted”.
Strasbourg offers development within the BlueCo network, but the Chelsea pathway remains long-term rather than immediate. Meanwhile, his words suggest that the Palmeiras option still resonates, especially after Liam Rosenior’s departure.
For Brighton, the structured exit removed uncertainty around a player whose role had become unclear. Yet the latest interview hints that Enciso himself may still wonder how things might have unfolded differently.
He may be committed to the BlueCo project for now and playing regularly (and very well) in France. Still, openly saying “I hope that at some point it can happen” ensures that talk of another move – perhaps outside Europe – will not disappear any time soon.