Chelsea’s ownership group, BlueCo, has reached an agreement to sign Julio Enciso from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 21-year-old Paraguay international, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town, has agreed personal terms and will officially join the BlueCo project.
He is expected to begin his journey at Strasbourg, another club under the consortium’s ownership, before making the step up to Chelsea.
Strasbourg has become a key development hub for Chelsea’s emerging talents.
Players such as Mamadou Sarr, who was signed from Strasbourg to Chelsea and later loaned back, Kendry Paez and Mike Penders are expected to join on loan, while Samuels Smith has already made the switch from Chelsea.
Highly-rated youngster Genesis Antwi is also tipped to complete a permanent move before the transfer window closes.
Previously, Chelsea sold Diego Moreira to Strasbourg while Andrey Santos and goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic both gained valuable minutes at the Ligue 1 side last season.
This steady flow of players underlines BlueCo’s strategy of leveraging Strasbourg as a pathway for Chelsea’s prospects to gain top-flight European experience.
Enciso was not part of Brighton’s plans for the upcoming season and is currently recovering from knee surgery. Despite his setback, he remains highly rated and is seen as a long-term asset for Chelsea.
During his loan spell at Ipswich, Enciso made 13 appearances, scoring twice and assisting three times, though the club ultimately suffered relegation from the Premier League.
Since acquiring Chelsea in 2022 and Strasbourg in 2023, BlueCo has established strong ties with Brighton through frequent transfer dealings. Enciso’s arrival further strengthens Chelsea’s strategy of developing talent within its multi-club model.
Despite his talent, there remains uncertainty about Enciso’s long-term Chelsea prospects. The Blues already boast a wealth of creative players.
Cole Palmer has emerged as the team’s main playmaker, while teenage stars Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian are widely tipped to become future superstars.
In addition, Chelsea continue to pursue Xavi Simons, another highly-rated attacking midfielder whose arrival could further limit opportunities in Enciso’s preferred role.
