Official: Ipswich Town Sign Julio Enciso Permanently from Strasbourg in €30m+ Deal

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.

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

Ligue 1 Season at a Glance (2025/26)

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.

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