Ipswich Town have made one of the most significant signings of their summer transfer window, bringing back a familiar face in emphatic fashion. Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Paraguay international Julio Enciso from Strasbourg, bringing the 22-year-old back to Portman Road on a permanent deal. The package for the attacking midfielder is worth in excess of €30m, including add-ons and a future sale clause.

Who Is Julio Enciso?

Julio César Enciso Espínola is a Paraguayan professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or left winger. He started playing football at his local club in Caaguazú, Paraguay, and at age 12 was recruited by Libertad. Enciso made his senior debut for Club Libertad on 17 March 2019, aged just 15, in a 4–0 home victory against Deportivo Santaní.

In September 2025, Enciso joined Ligue 1 club Strasbourg on a deal worth £17 million, with Brighton retaining a sell-on clause. His time in France was transformative. For Strasbourg last season, Enciso directly contributed to 21 goals — 12 goals and nine assists — bettered only by Joaquin Panichelli with 24.

Enciso gives manager Gary O’Neil a versatile attacking option, capable of operating as a winger, attacking midfielder, or second striker.

Detail	Information
Player	Julio César Enciso Espínola
Age	22 (born 23 January 2004)
Nationality	Paraguayan
From	RC Strasbourg (Ligue 1)
To	Ipswich Town (Premier League)
Fee	In excess of €30m (inc. add-ons + future sale clause)
Contract Length	5 years
Position	Attacking Midfielder / Left Winger
Announcement Date	17 August 2026

A Reunion with Gary O’Neil

This signing carries a distinctly personal dimension. The forward joined Strasbourg, where he worked under Gary O’Neil, and impressed enough for the Ipswich boss to push for a reunion in England. Enciso himself was open about his enthusiasm. “I am so happy to be back at Ipswich Town,” he said, adding that he really enjoyed his time on loan at the club and that the chance to play for O’Neil again at a great club like Ipswich is one he’s very excited for.

Enciso’s arrival was announced shortly after Ipswich confirmed the signing of Strasbourg midfielder Abdoul Ouattara, with O’Neil effectively raiding his former club twice.

Enciso’s Previous Spell at Ipswich

This is not Enciso’s first stint at Portman Road. Enciso spent the second half of the 2024–25 campaign on loan with the Tractor Boys. The 22-year-old scored two goals and provided three assists in 13 Premier League games for Ipswich during his previous spell, but could not prevent them from being relegated.

Despite the club’s relegation, Enciso’s individual quality shone through and left a lasting impression — enough for Ipswich to move decisively to sign him on a permanent basis once they won promotion back to the Premier League.

Career Timeline

Season	Club	Status
2019–2022	Libertad (Paraguay)	Permanent
2022–2025	Brighton & Hove Albion	Permanent
Jan–May 2025	Ipswich Town	Loan
2025–2026	RC Strasbourg	Permanent
2026–	Ipswich Town	Permanent

Ligue 1 Season at a Glance (2025/26)

Stat	Figure
Appearances	27
Goals	12
Assists	9
Goal Contributions	21
Minutes Played	1,893
Yellow Cards	2
Pass Completion Rate	83.52%
Key Passes Per Game	1.38

Enciso’s expected assists (xA) output stands at 0.27 per 90 minutes — a figure that puts him above 89 per cent of players in Ligue 1.

International Pedigree

Enciso scored for Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, underlining his growing stature on the international stage. Throughout his career, Enciso has won two titles: the Division Profesional (2021 Apertura) and the Copa Paraguay (2019), both with Libertad.

What This Means for Ipswich

Ipswich begin their return to the Premier League by hosting Sunderland on August 22. Ipswich have in Enciso a player who already knows the club, the manager, and English football — but who now faces the challenge of establishing himself after returning permanently to Portman Road. With a player of his quality and age tied down on a long-term deal, the Tractor Boys have made a genuine statement of intent ahead of their top-flight return.

FAQs

How much did Ipswich pay for Julio Enciso?

The total package is worth in excess of €30m, including add-ons and a future sale clause. The base fee is reported to be around £25–26m (approximately €30–30.5m).

How long is Julio Enciso’s contract at Ipswich Town?

Enciso has signed a five-year contract at Portman Road, tying him to the club until 2031.

Has Enciso played for Ipswich before?

Yes. Enciso spent the second half of the 2024–25 season on loan at Ipswich from Brighton, scoring two goals and providing three assists in 13 Premier League appearances.

What position does Julio Enciso play?

Enciso is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also operate as a left winger or second striker, making him a versatile option for manager Gary O’Neil.

What were Enciso’s stats at Strasbourg?

In his single season at Strasbourg in Ligue 1, Enciso contributed directly to 21 goals — 12 goals and nine assists — across 27 appearances, placing him among the top creators in the league.