Strasbourg are nearing an agreement worth £13.8m to bring in Brighton attacker Julio Enciso, with the expectation that the 21-year-old will eventually move on to Chelsea following a season in France.
The forward is set to finalize personal terms in the coming days. Brighton could also receive an additional €1m if certain conditions are met, including appearances by Enciso and Chelsea securing the Premier League title. The contract also includes a sell-on percentage for the south-coast club.
This deal is seen as the most notable piece of business since Strasbourg’s £65.2m purchase by BlueCo in 2023, the consortium headed by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
Links between Strasbourg and Chelsea
Enciso’s potential arrival continues a clear pattern of player movement between Chelsea and Strasbourg. The French side are coached by English manager Liam Rosenior and currently have goalkeeper Mike Penders, Kendry Paez, and Mamadou Sarr on loan from Stamford Bridge.
Several young Chelsea players have already joined Strasbourg in recent seasons, including Ishe Samuels-Smith, Mathis Amougou, and Diego Moreira. The squad also features multiple familiar names from English football, with ex-Brighton defender Valentin Barco and former Southampton striker Sekou Mara both on the books.
Strasbourg secured seventh place in Ligue 1 last season, which earned them a place in the UEFA Conference League.
Brighton departure for Enciso
Enciso’s exit comes after he was left out of Brighton’s squad for their opening league draw against Fulham.
During his time with the Seagulls, the Paraguay international registered five goals before spending the second half of the last campaign on loan at Ipswich Town.
