Chelsea’s ownership group, BlueCo, has reached an agreement with Brighton to sign Paraguayan forward Julio Enciso in a deal worth around €20 million.

The 21-year-old will first join Chelsea’s sister club, Strasbourg, before making a full move to Stamford Bridge. Enciso, who is currently recovering from a knee injury, becomes the fifth Brighton player signed by BlueCo since they took over Chelsea in 2022.

Previously, the group brought in Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Robert Sanchez, and Joao Pedro from the Seagulls.

Enciso joined Brighton from Paraguayan side Libertad in 2022 and made 57 appearances, scoring five goals. However, his progress has been disrupted by injuries, including a torn meniscus in August 2023 that kept him out for six months and sidelined him from 38 matches for both club and country.

With Brighton now under a new manager, Fabian Hurzeler, Enciso has slipped down the pecking order, opening the door for his move.

For Chelsea and Strasbourg, the deal represents both a long-term investment and a chance for Enciso to regain form and fitness before stepping into the Premier League spotlight.