Chelsea secure deal with Brighton to sign Julio Enciso, Palmeiras target
Chelsea have reached an agreement with Brighton for the signing of Paraguayan midfielder Julio Enciso, beating Palmeiras and other interested clubs to his signature.
Agreement between Chelsea and Brighton
According to The Athletic, BlueCo, the ownership group of Chelsea and French side Strasbourg, has struck a deal with Brighton to sign the 21-year-old. Final details are now being ironed out, with Enciso expected to officially become a Blues player ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The move ends speculation surrounding Enciso’s future, as he had been monitored by Palmeiras in Brazil and several European clubs. The midfielder is said to be excited by Chelsea’s long-term project and career plan.
Strasbourg move comes first
Before joining Chelsea directly, Enciso is set to spend the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Strasbourg, where he will be closely evaluated by the group. If he develops as expected, the Paraguayan could then make the leap to Stamford Bridge.
Brighton part ways after injury setback
Brighton had already decided to release Enciso after manager Fabian Hürzeler made clear he would not play a key role this season. The Paraguayan struggled with a knee injury and was ultimately left out of the squad.
During the second half of last season, he was loaned to Ipswich Town in the Championship, making 13 appearances, scoring twice, and providing three assists.
Chelsea’s squad plans moving forward
The deal fits Chelsea’s wider strategy of signing promising young talent and using Strasbourg as a development platform before integrating them into the Premier League squad.
With Enciso secured, Chelsea continue to reshape their roster under Enzo Maresca, balancing experienced stars with a pipeline of future talents.
