STRASBOURG NEAR £13.8M DEAL FOR BRIGHTON'S JULIO ENCISO
Strasbourg are on the verge of securing the signing of Julio Enciso from Brighton & Hove Albion, with the 21-year-old Paraguayan forward expected to finalise contract terms in the coming days.
The transfer, which includes performance-related clauses, could see Brighton pocket an additional €1m if Enciso reaches a set number of appearances and Chelsea go on to win the Premier League during his time at Strasbourg. A sell-on clause has also been built into the agreement, ensuring Brighton will benefit financially from any future move.
The Chelsea-Strasbourg Connection
Enciso’s impending switch highlights once again the strong ties between Chelsea and Strasbourg under the BlueCo ownership group, fronted by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Since acquiring Strasbourg for £65.2m in 2023, Chelsea’s owners have steadily deepened the relationship between the clubs.
Strasbourg boss Liam Rosenior has already overseen the arrival of several Chelsea prospects, with Mike Penders, Kendry Páez, and Mamadou Sarr currently on loan from Stamford Bridge. In addition, Strasbourg have permanently signed youngsters Ishe Samuels-Smith, Mathis Amougou, and Diego Moreira from Chelsea in the past two seasons.
Beyond Chelsea links, Strasbourg have also added several familiar names from the English game, including Valentin Barco (formerly Brighton) and Sekou Mara (ex-Southampton).
European Ambitions
The Alsace club enjoyed a strong domestic campaign last term, finishing seventh in Ligue 1 to qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League. Strengthening their squad with young talent like Enciso reflects their ambition to compete not only domestically but also on the continental stage.
Enciso’s Journey
Enciso departs Brighton after being left out of the Seagulls’ squad for the opening draw of the new Premier League season against Fulham.
During his time on the south coast, the Paraguayan forward managed five goals in all competitions and gained further experience on loan at Ipswich Town in the second half of last season. His blend of pace, creativity, and direct attacking play made him a fan favourite at times, but injuries and competition for places limited his consistency.
A Fresh Start in France
For Enciso, Strasbourg offers the chance to reboot his career in a competitive environment where he is likely to play regular football. For Strasbourg, the deal represents not only a shrewd addition to their attack but also one of the most high-profile signings since their Chelsea-linked takeover.
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