Chelsea Owners Hit Snag: Julio Enciso Transfer in Doubt?

Footem.in – The proposed transfer of Julio Enciso from Brighton within the BlueCo network faces a significant hurdle. The 21-year-old Paraguayan was initially slated for a multi-club move, with Strasbourg as the initial destination before a potential future switch to Chelsea.

However, latest reports indicate that the deal, valued at around Rp 302 Billion, is in jeopardy due to medical concerns. Enciso was expected to be a crucial addition to BlueCo’s player development strategy.

Sources suggest that the midfielder’s medical tests yielded unsatisfactory results. Neither Brighton nor Chelsea have officially commented on the matter.

Injury History and Brighton Career

Julio Enciso joined Brighton in 2022 after a spell with Libertad in Paraguay. Since then, he’s made 57 first-team appearances, scoring five goals and providing six assists.

His technical ability and vision on the field have often been praised, but his career in English football hasn’t been without its challenges.

In August 2023, Enciso suffered a meniscus injury that sidelined him for six months. Before fully recovering, he underwent another knee operation in May 2024.

The recovery process is expected to take several more weeks. This situation raises doubts about his immediate readiness for top-level competition.

For BlueCo, player health is a critical factor. The risk of acquiring a midfielder with a history of long-term injuries is considered too significant, especially given the demanding schedule of European football this season.

If the transfer falls through, Enciso would add to the growing list of transfer sagas involving Chelsea, Strasbourg, and Brighton. Since acquiring Chelsea in 2022, BlueCo has spent over Rp 5.5 Trillion on players and staff from Brighton.

Names like Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Robert Sanchez, and Joao Pedro have already made the move from Amex to Stamford Bridge. Even manager Graham Potter and his staff followed suit.

Furthermore, key figures in player recruitment, such as Paul Winstanley and Sam Jewell, have also transitioned from Brighton to Chelsea.

Enciso was initially planned to be the fifth player poached from Brighton, with Strasbourg serving as a stepping stone. The French club, acquired by BlueCo in 2023, is now a vital part of their youth development pipeline.

Strasbourg is currently enjoying a promising season in Ligue 1 and is preparing for the Europa Conference League play-offs against Brondby.

However, plans to include Enciso as a crucial addition to their European campaign may be derailed if the midfielder’s health issues remain unresolved.