Chelsea signs Enciso with Strasbourg loan path

Chelsea owners BlueCo have agreed to sign Brighton winger Julio Enciso, with a loan to Strasbourg first, signaling a patient, long term plan for Chelsea.

BlueCo backs Enciso as Chelsea long term project despite knee surgery

Chelsea's owners BlueCo have reached an agreement to sign Julio Enciso from Brighton. The plan includes a loan spell at Strasbourg before a potential Chelsea debut, with the transfer valued at about €16 million. Enciso has already agreed personal terms, making him the fifth Brighton talent to be integrated into Chelsea since BlueCo took control in 2022.

Enciso, aged 21, is currently sidelined after knee surgery following a productive Ipswich Town loan spell. He has a history of knee problems, including a torn meniscus in 2023, which affects the timing of any first appearance for Strasbourg or Chelsea. While the move is framed as a long term investment, it also reflects BlueCo’s strategy of building a pipeline from one club to the Chelsea first team over time.

BlueCo’s approach signals a deliberate shift away from quick fixes toward a sustained talent strategy. By layering the Enciso signing with a loan to Strasbourg, the ownership tests a player’s development in a different league before introducing him to Chelsea’s environment. This fits a broader pattern of Chelsea securing young prospects from Brighton, then integrating them gradually. If the plan works, Enciso could become a core asset rather than a quick impact signing. If not, the cost and the injury risk will loom over the club’s finances and planning.

Highlights

Time will tell if patience becomes Chelsea’s strength.