Enciso set to return to Portman Road as Ipswich continue summer rebuild
Ipswich Town have reached agreement with Strasbourg over the transfer of 22-year-old Paraguay international Julio Enciso, a move that would reunite the forward with new Ipswich manager Gary O’Neil and mark another high-profile addition to the club’s summer recruitment.
Enciso previously spent six months on loan at Ipswich from Brighton & Hove Albion during the second half of the 2024-25 season, which ended in relegation under the then-head coach. He moved to Strasbourg in September 2025 after leaving Brighton, and made a notable contribution in France, scoring 12 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions last season.
Managerial link and timing
Gary O’Neil, who worked with Enciso during his time as Strasbourg coach, is understood to have pushed for an early reunion after taking charge at Portman Road this summer. The Northern Irishman who managed Ipswich back to the Premier League at the first attempt has since stepped aside, with O’Neil appointed to oversee the club’s top-flight return.
Those close to the discussions say the former Strasbourg coach identified Enciso as a player who could adapt quickly to his style and add attacking dynamism to the squad.
Any transfer remains subject to a final agreement and the player passing a medical, but club officials and agents involved have indicated that a fee has been agreed in principle.
Financial implications for Ipswich
While the precise figure has not been disclosed, those involved expect the fee to represent a sizeable portion of Ipswich’s remaining transfer budget. Strasbourg paid £7.7m for Enciso last summer, and insiders believe the sale will deliver the French club a substantial profit.
Ipswich’s recruitment this summer has been active: the signing of Toulouse forward Emersonn was reported as a club-record acquisition, and the squad has already been bolstered by players including former Celtic wide player Daizen Maeda and Abdul Fatawu from Leicester City.
- Enciso: Paraguay international, 22, 12 goals in 44 appearances for Strasbourg last season.
- Previous Ipswich loan: six months during 2024-25 season.
- Move subject to medical and final personal terms.
Where Enciso would fit and what it means for the squad
If completed, Enciso would be the club’s eleventh new signing of the summer. His versatility across the front line and experience in Ligue 1 under O’Neil are cited as reasons he could make an immediate impact, particularly important given Ipswich’s requirement to adapt to Premier League defenders and the physical demands of the top flight.
The potential signing also raises questions about how the new arrivals will be integrated and how the club will manage squad depth across a long season. With the Premier League campaign due to begin at home to Sunderland on 22 August, there is limited time for new players to settle and for tactical familiarity to be established.
Ownership and background
Strasbourg are part of the same ownership group that controls Chelsea through the BlueCo group, and club officials in France had considered Enciso a player with potential to move to Stamford Bridge in the future. Whether that long-term trajectory remains realistic will depend on how quickly Enciso adapts back to English football and how Ipswich’s season unfolds.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Age | 22 |
| Previous clubs (recent) | Brighton & Hove Albion, Strasbourg; loan to Ipswich |
| Goals for Strasbourg (last season) | 12 in 44 appearances |
The coming days are likely to bring clarity. Supporters and local observers will watch for confirmation that medical checks are complete and that personal terms are agreed. For Ipswich, the addition of Enciso would underline the club’s intent to remain competitive in the Premier League, but it will also concentrate attention on the management of the transfer budget and the balance of the squad for the tougher season ahead.
