BlueCo reach agreement to sign injured Brighton star as ‘long-term’ project for Chelsea

Chelsea owners BlueCo have agreed to sign Brighton winger Julio Enciso, talkSPORT understands.

The Paraguayan is set to join Strasbourg in a €16million (around £13.8m) before a potential move to Stamford Bridge in the future.

Enciso has been identified as a Chelsea player in the long-term despite plans for him to link-up with the Ligue 1 club.

The 21-year-old has already agreed personal terms ahead of finalising his transfer.

He is set to become the fifth player signed from Brighton since BlueCo bought Chelsea in 2022.

Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro and Robert Sanchez have all previously been purchased from the Seagulls, however, they have gone straight to Chelsea.

Enciso joined the club from Paraguayan outfit Libertad in 2022 before making 57 first-team appearances for Brighton.

However, he fell out of favour under Fabian Hurzeler last term and is not currently in the German’s plans.

His imminent departure follows a loan spell at Ipswich during the second half of the previous campaign.

Despite the Tractor Boys’ relegation, Enciso contributed two goals and three assists in 13 appearances for the club.

The playmaker also has four goals in 27 assists for Paraguay since making his debut aged 17 in 2021.

He will have to wait to make his first appearance for his new side, though.

Enciso is currently sidelined having undergone surgery on a knee injury suffered in May.

It follows a string of issues with similar injuries, including a six-month lay-off during the 2023/24 campaign which saw Enciso miss 38 matches for club and country.

It is hoped that his meniscectomy operation can help avoid any repercussions of the torn meniscus he first suffered in August 2023.

As a result, it is unclear when he could make his debut for Strasbourg.

Do BlueCo own Strasbourg?

BlueCo purchased the French side in 2023, one year after their Chelsea takeover.

The club finished seventh in Ligue 1 last season to secure qualification for the Conference League.

Managed by Liam Rosenior, they began the new season with a 1-0 win away to Metz on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Strasbourg kick off their European campaign against Danish side Brondby this week.