By SIMON JONES and TUM BALOGUN, SPORTS REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
BlueCo, the group that owns Chelsea and Strasbourg, has reached agreement to sign Julio Enciso from Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 21-year old midfielder is recovering from a knee injury but will join Strasbourg initially before later transferring to Chelsea.
The £13.8million transfer continues BlueCo’s astonishing pattern of recruitment from Brighton since taking control at Stamford Bridge in 2022. Enciso is set to become the fifth player signed from the Amex Stadium, following Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Robert Sanchez and Joao Pedro.
In addition, Chelsea paid over £21m in compensation to bring manager Graham Potter and his staff to west London, and later appointed Brighton’s former transfer chiefs Paul Winstanley and Sam Jewell into senior recruitment roles. The latest deal pushes Chelsea’s spending on Brighton players and staff beyond £250m.
Enciso joined the Seagulls from Paraguayan side Libertad in 2022 and made 57 first-team appearances, scoring five goals and supplying six assists.
His time on the south coast was disrupted by injury, including a torn meniscus in August 2023 that kept him sidelined for six months and caused him to miss 38 matches for club and country. He returned in early 2024 but struggled to secure a regular place under new Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, who left him out of his long-term plans.
BlueCo, the group that owns Chelsea and Strasbourg, has reached agreement to sign Julio Enciso from Brighton and Hove Albion
The move continues lueCo’s astonishing pattern of recruitment from Brighton since taking control at Stamford Bridge in 2022. Pictured: Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly
The attacking midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town, contributing two goals and three assists in 13 games. Despite the Tractor Boys’ relegation, he impressed in flashes with his direct play and creativity.
Enciso’s progress has again been halted by fitness issues. He underwent knee surgery in May, which is expected to keep him out for several more weeks. Brighton hope the procedure will finally resolve the recurring problems that have plagued him since 2023.
The hope is that Strasbourg can provide a fresh environment and consistent game time once he returns, with the French side qualifying for the Europa Conference League after finishing seventh in Ligue 1.
BlueCo purchased Strasbourg in 2023 as part of their multi-club strategy, using the French side to develop talent earmarked for Chelsea. Managed by Liam Rosenior, Strasbourg began their domestic campaign with a 1-0 win at Metz and will also face Brondby in the Conference League play-off round this week. Enciso’s arrival is seen as a significant coup for Rosenior’s side as they prepare for the demands of European football.
