Ipswich Town signs Julio Enciso following Palmeiras interest
Paraguayan forward Julio Enciso has joined Ipswich Town for £26 million. The player was previously a transfer target for Palmeiras in 2025.
English side Ipswich Town have officially announced the signing of 22-year-old Paraguayan forward Julio Enciso from French club Strasbourg. The player has signed a five-year deal valid until June 2031, with the transfer fee reaching approximately £26 million including performance-related bonuses.
This move marks a return to Portman Road for Enciso, who previously spent time on loan at the club from Brighton during the 2024/25 season. Despite the team's relegation at the time, the forward made a positive impact by scoring against top-tier opponents like Chelsea and Everton. He now reunites with manager Gary O'Neil, with whom he worked at Strasbourg, where he recorded 12 goals and nine assists in 42 appearances last season.
Notably, Enciso was a major transfer target for Brazilian side Palmeiras in 2025. The player had expressed interest in the move, but negotiations stalled due to disagreements over financial terms. Following his breakout performance at the 2026 World Cup, where he became the first Paraguayan to score in a knockout stage match, his market value increased, making a return to South American football financially unfeasible for the Brazilian club.
This signing marks the 12th addition to the Ipswich squad this window, with the club investing nearly £150 million in preparation for their upcoming Premier League campaign.