Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler has spoken about Julio Enciso’s impending move to Chelsea’s ownership group, with the Paraguayan playmaker expected to join Strasbourg on loan once the deal is completed.
The 21-year-old, who signed for £8m from Club Libertad in 2022, has shown flashes of brilliance on the South Coast, including his unforgettable strike against Manchester City in 2023 which won the Premier League Goal of the Season award. But injuries and inconsistency have held him back, and Chelsea’s BlueCo are now set to take him as the next Brighton talent to head through Stamford Bridge’s wider network.
Enciso will follow in the footsteps of Moisés Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Robert Sánchez, who all joined Chelsea directly, while Argentina youngster Valentín Barco also moved into the group with a transfer to Strasbourg earlier this summer.
Hürzeler on Enciso’s Brighton Spell
Asked about Enciso in his pre-Everton press conference, Hürzeler struck a balanced note:
“When I worked with Julio I was very pleased. A young guy with big potential. It was positive. He had some injuries but overall a young kid who wants to play, you can feel the passion.” — Fabian Hürzeler
The German coach admitted “there are several reasons” behind the transfer, hinting that Enciso may be better suited to a different environment.
Julio Enciso Brighton Stats
| Stat (2022–25) | Julio Enciso |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 57 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Pass Accuracy | 82% |
source: sofascore match data – 21 August 2025
Enciso made 57 appearances for Brighton across three seasons, scoring five goals and registering six assists. His highlights included long-range efforts and eye-catching dribbles, but his overall output never quite matched his raw talent.
Analyst Verdict
Enciso’s move shows again how Brighton have become a launchpad for bigger projects. While the winger never fully cemented a first-team role, his potential is clear, and Chelsea’s BlueCo model allows them to stash promising assets at Strasbourg until they are ready for Premier League football.
From reviewing his Brighton performances, Enciso thrives in transition, carrying the ball through midfield with confidence, but his decision-making in the final third still needs sharpening. Strasbourg may give him the consistency and environment he needs.
Key Insights
- Brighton’s Julio Enciso set for Chelsea BlueCo move, likely to Strasbourg.
- Fabian Hürzeler insists his Brighton spell was “positive” despite injuries.
- Enciso scored PL Goal of the Season vs Man City in 2023.
- Follows Caicedo, Cucurella, Sánchez and Barco as Brighton-to-Chelsea links grow.
- BlueCo continue strategy of stockpiling young attacking talent.
What’s Next
Enciso is expected to complete formalities in the coming days before travelling to France. Strasbourg view him as a marquee arrival for the new season, with guaranteed minutes on the wing.
For Brighton, the sale reinforces their recruitment model: developing young players, showcasing them in the Premier League, and selling for significant value. Hürzeler, meanwhile, will look to reinvest in creative options before the window shuts.
Do you think Chelsea’s BlueCo model helps young players like Enciso — or risks stalling their development?
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