Chelsea to sign Enciso from Brighton, to be loaned to Strasbourg

Chelsea’s ownership group BlueCo has reached an agreement to sign Julio Enciso from Brighton & Hove Albion for a package reported to be around 20 million pounds, with the 21-year-old Paraguayan set to spend the 2025-26 season on loan at Strasbourg before joining Chelsea on a long-term contract that runs through 2031. The arrangement continues BlueCo’s strategy of leveraging a network of clubs to develop young talent, while expanding Chelsea’s long-term attacking options.

Enciso, a versatile attacker who can operate as a number ten or from wider positions, joined Brighton from Libertad in 2022 and has made 57 appearances in all competitions for the Seagulls, contributing five goals and six assists. His progression has been slowed by injuries, and he spent the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town, where he chipped in two goals, three assists and several standout moments. He is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery, with a return expected around October.

Under the terms of the deal, Enciso will move to Strasbourg, one of BlueCo’s sister clubs, to continue his development in Ligue 1 before joining Chelsea on a permanent basis. The medical is expected to take...