Julio Enciso’s agent has taken a swipe at Brighton following the 21-year-old’s Deadline Day move to Strasbourg. Pedro Aldave claimed the Paraguayan forward was “always going to Strasbourg” and described the French side’s home as “more of a football city than Brighton.”
Enciso, once regarded as one of Brighton’s brightest prospects, struggled to nail down a place in the squad after joining from Libertad in 2022 for €11.6m. A series of injuries and a loan spell at Ipswich Town curtailed his development, and despite links to South American giants Palmeiras, Enciso pushed to remain in Europe.
Now, with Strasbourg part of the BlueCo network alongside Chelsea, the forward’s next step could ultimately link him back to the Premier League. But Aldave’s comments underline how far Brighton’s relationship with Enciso had soured.
Agent’s Comments on the Transfer
Speaking to Rock&Pop Paraguay, Aldave admitted the deal had complications but insisted the move was inevitable:
“Strasbourg is a football city, much more so than Brighton. He was always going to go to Strasbourg for a year.” — Pedro Aldave, agent of Julio Enciso
He also confirmed Palmeiras made an approach, but Enciso rejected a South America return:
“Julio wanted to stay in Europe. Palmeiras made an enquiry… but he wanted to stay.”
Why Enciso Left Brighton
Enciso’s talent was never in doubt, but persistent injuries and limited opportunities under Roberto De Zerbi stalled his progress. Brighton were happy to sanction his exit, with Strasbourg offering a pathway back to consistent football and potentially towards Chelsea via the BlueCo link.
For Enciso, the chance to play 35 matches this season ahead of the 2026 World Cup was a deciding factor.
Julio Enciso Stats 2024/2025
| Stat (2024/25) | Julio Enciso |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 29 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Chances Created | 22 |
source: sofascore match data – 2 September 2025
The numbers show flashes of creativity, but not the breakthrough Brighton expected when they invested in him three years ago.
Analyst Verdict — John William
Enciso’s exit is a reminder of the fine line between promise and frustration. Injuries disrupted his Brighton career, but his ceiling remains high. Strasbourg, with less pressure and regular minutes, may be the perfect environment to rebuild confidence.
The agent’s comments may sting Seagulls fans, but Brighton’s model has always been ruthless — buy young, sell at the right time. Enciso is a gamble Strasbourg can afford, especially with Chelsea watching his progress closely.
Key Insights
- Enciso’s agent claims Strasbourg is “more of a football city than Brighton.”
- Paraguayan forward joined from Libertad in 2022 for €11.6m.
- Injuries and loan spells limited his Brighton breakthrough.
- Palmeiras showed interest but Enciso wanted to stay in Europe.
- Strasbourg move linked to BlueCo pathway with Chelsea.
What’s Next for Enciso?
Enciso is expected to feature regularly for Strasbourg this season, with his agent targeting 35 matches ahead of the World Cup. Consistency in Ligue 1 could reignite his reputation and pave the way for a future move to Chelsea.
For Brighton, the move draws a line under a player who never fulfilled his potential at the Amex. Focus will now turn to their latest South American recruits as the Seagulls continue their scouting-first model.
Can Julio Enciso revive his career at Strasbourg — and is a Chelsea move already on the horizon?
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