Chelsea’s ambitions to sign promising Paraguayan midfielder Julio Enciso have hit an unexpected roadblock. The 21-year-old was poised for a move within the BlueCo ownership network—starting with a stint at RC Strasbourg before a future switch to Stamford Bridge. However, the deal has officially collapsed after the Brighton player reportedly failed his medical due to a lingering knee issue.
Medical Setback Derails Transfer Plans
Enciso, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Championship side Ipswich Town, was on the verge of joining the BlueCo group, which owns both Chelsea and French club RC Strasbourg Alsace. The plan was to develop the midfielder at Strasbourg before integrating him into Chelsea’s first team in 2026—a move that had already raised eyebrows due to the ongoing debate around multi-club ownership in football.
But those plans came to a screeching halt, according to Paraguayan journalist Wilson Gonzalez Bronce. Speaking on Radio Nanduti, Bronce confirmed that the player failed a routine medical due to persistent knee issues, ultimately forcing Chelsea’s owners to walk away from the deal.
A Closer Look at the Medical Concerns
According to the report, Enciso’s medical wasn’t a standard one-day procedure. Given his history of knee problems—including three previous surgeries—the medical team conducted additional tests. Unfortunately, the midfielder failed those as well.
“Normally, it is a routine matter,” Bronce said. “But on this occasion, and due to the three operations that Julio Enciso has already had on the same knee, they had to do an extra test, which he also did not pass.”
As a result, the move has been definitively scrapped. Enciso will now remain at Brighton & Hove Albion, where he is under contract until June 2026.
Brighton Reacts to the Fallout
Before the medical issue came to light, Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler had hinted at a potential exit for Enciso but acknowledged the player’s injury history.
“There are rumours and talks but nothing is done yet so we can’t comment,” Hürzeler said last week. “When I worked with Julio I was very pleased. A young guy with big potential… He had some injuries, but overall a young kid who wants to play—you can feel the passion.”
Despite his clear admiration for Enciso’s talent, Hürzeler acknowledged that a change of environment might be what the player needs to reignite his development.
What’s Next for Julio Enciso?
With the Chelsea deal off the table, Enciso faces a pivotal season ahead. Brighton may reassess their plans for the Paraguayan international, who is still regarded as a bright talent but now must prove his fitness and resilience if he hopes to attract future suitors at the top level.
The failed transfer also renews scrutiny of the multi-club ownership model, particularly the practice of staging transfers through affiliate clubs to bypass squad congestion or financial regulations.
