Chelsea are widely believed to have sealed a 2026 deal for Brighton starlet Julio Enciso via their sister club Strasbourg, with the 21-year-old poised to spend one year in Ligue 1 before switching to Stamford Bridge.

Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media sources confirmed the news earlier this week, and it is a transfer which has received due praise considering Enciso’s sky-high potential.

The Paraguay international, tipped to become a legend for his country, has already displayed real glimpses of his talent in the Premier League – even scoring against Chelsea and notching an assist during their 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town in April – when he was on loan at Portman Road.

£17 million for a youngster of his calibre could be seen as a real steal by BlueCo, and they were helped by the fact his Brighton contract was due to expire next year.

By joining Strasbourg on loan this season, Enciso will gain valuable minutes in France, and in a league well known for developing attacking players.

Chelsea’s strategy to nurture him abroad reflects a clear plan: allow him to mature in a competitive environment before embracing the pressures of west London. For BlueCo, who have doubled down on signing young, high-upside players, Enciso fits the model perfectly.

Versatility is one of his standout traits. Primarily deployed as an attacking midfielder, Enciso is equally comfortable drifting in from the left wing or supporting as a second striker.

Statistically, his 2024/25 season tells a balanced story. While appearances for Brighton’s first team were limited – 12 in total – his productive loan spell at Ipswich yielded two goals and three assists in just 13 outings.

Journalist shares Julio Enciso to Chelsea twist after BlueCo deal

While the prospect of his eventual move to Chelsea is an enticing one, journalist Graeme Bailey is actually reporting information contrary to other sources.

Indeed, it is believed that Enciso’s 2026 Chelsea transfer is actually no guarantee after all, and he’ll have to prove his worth at Strasbourg first before Maresca’s side consider it.

Given the lack of competitiveness across the channel when compared to the hustle and bustle of Premier League life, odds are that the former Club Libertad Asunción sensation will light up Ligue 1.