'There are rumours and talks' - Fabian Hurzeler gives major update on Julio Enciso's potential exit as Chelsea owners Blueco eye shock swoop

It has been reported that Blue Co, which also controls French side Strasbourg, has struck a deal with the player and his representatives, agreeing on personal terms despite uncertainty over which club he will immediately join. The expectation is that Enciso will head to Strasbourg first, with Chelsea planning to assess him as a long-term project for their first team at Stamford Bridge.

Hurzeler finally addressed the growing noise around Enciso’s departure in his press conference before the Seagulls’ clash with Everton.

“There are rumours and talks but nothing is done yet so we can't comment,” said Hurzeler. "When I worked with Julio I was very pleased. A young guy with big potential. It was positive. He had some injuries but overall a young kid who wants to play, you can feel the passion. There are several reasons [why he is leaving]. Some players perform in some environments. I would not say it is bad time. He's a young player with big potential. You can see there is a big interest as he has potential. Some things could be better but it was not a bad period so far.”

Enciso, who joined Brighton from Paraguayan side Libertad in 2022, has produced moments of magic but never consistently nailed down a starring role. He has made 57 appearances, netted five goals, and set up six assists for the Seagulls. His most famous strike remains a thunderbolt against Manchester City in 2023, which was crowned Premier League Goal of the Season.

The move will only add to frustration among Brighton supporters, who have seen a conveyor belt of their stars snapped up by Chelsea. The Blues already lured Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Robert Sánchez from the Amex, while earlier this summer, they sent Valentin Barco to Strasbourg as part of their multi-club strategy. Now Enciso looks set to follow the same path, with Chelsea hoping he can evolve into a future Stamford Bridge regular after a developmental spell in Ligue 1.