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 recovers from a knee injury, but will initially become a member of Strasbourg before he later switches to Chelsea.
The transfer of £ 13.8 million continues the amazing recruitment pattern of Blueco from Brighton since he took control of Stamford Bridge in 2022. Enciso is signed the fifth player from the Amex Stadium, after Marc Cucurella, Moveises Caicedo, Robert Sanchez and Joaoo.
In addition, Chelsea paid more than £ 21 million in compensation to bring manager Graham Potter and his staff to West London, and later mentioned the former transfer heads of Brighton Paul Winstanley and Sam Jewell in senior recruites. The newest deal pushes Chelsea's editions to Brighton players and employees above £ 250 million.
Enciso joined the seagulls of Paraguayan Side Libertad in 2022 and made 57 first team performances, scored five goals and delivered six assists.
His time on the south coast was disturbed by an injury, including a torn meniscus in August 2023 who sidelined him for six months and made sure he missed 38 games for club and country. He returned at the beginning of 2024, but struggled to secure a regular place under the new boss of Brighton, Fabian Hurzeler, who left him out of his long -term plans.
The attacking midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan in the city of Ipswich, and contributed two goals and three assists in 13 games. Despite the relegation of the tractor boys, he impressed flashes with his direct game and creativity.
The progress of Enciso has stopped again by fitness problems. He underwent a knee operation in May, which is expected to keep him out for a few weeks. Brighton hopes that the procedure will finally solve the recurring problems that have plagued him since 2023.
The hope is that Strasbourg can offer a new environment and consistent playing time as soon as it returns, where the French side is eligible for the Europa Conference League after the seventh in Ligue 1.
Blueco bought Strasbourg in 2023 as part of their multi-club strategy and used the French side to develop talent reserved for Chelsea. Managed by Liam Rosenior, Strasbourg started their domestic campaign with a 1-0 win at Metz and will also be confronted with Brondby in the Play-Off-Ronde of the Conference League this week. The arrival of Enciso is seen as an important coup in front of Rosenior while they are preparing for the demands of European football.