Chelsea Strikes Bizarre 2026 Deal to Snatch Brighton's Rising Star
Brighton & Hove Albion's midfielder Julio Enciso has allegedly reached an agreement for a transfer to Strasbourg, which would eventually lead to him joining Chelsea the following summer.
The 21-year-old Enciso faced limited playing time last season after Fabian Hürzeler took over as manager and was loaned to Ipswich Town for the latter portion of the season, netting two goals and providing three assists while playing alongside future Chelsea forward Liam Delap before returning to Brighton with only one year left on his deal.
According to initial reports from The Athletic, the BlueCo ownership group controlling both Chelsea and Strasbourg has finalized a €20 million (£17.3 million, $23.3 million) agreement to bring Enciso into their system, though the exact terms of his transfer remain undisclosed.
The original report suggests Enciso will initially join Strasbourg but is considered a "long-term" acquisition for Chelsea, while BBC Sport and additional sources indicate there's a strategy for him to move to Chelsea after spending just one year in France.
Chelsea currently lack available loan slots to send players to Strasbourg this season, having already dispatched Mamadou Sarr, Kendry Páez and Mike Penders to develop under Liam Rosenior's guidance.
Strasbourg have additionally acquired both Ishé Samuels-Smith and Mathis Amougou from Chelsea and are reportedly considering a move for young defender Genesis Antwi, who would also transfer permanently if an agreement can be reached among all involved parties. BlueCo would naturally maintain long-term oversight of his career trajectory.
A predetermined transfer to Chelsea would be highly unusual but seems to be a strategy employed by BlueCo executives to help persuade players to join Strasbourg. Both Romano and L'Équipe have documented a comparable arrangement with striker Emanuel Emegha, who reportedly has been presented with an opportunity to join Chelsea in 2026, presumably alongside Enciso.
A portion of Strasbourg supporters have openly demonstrated against their club's involvement in BlueCo's multi-club structure, concerned they are merely being utilized as a stepping stone to benefit Chelsea's development, and this Enciso arrangement is unlikely to ease tensions within Stade de la Meinau.