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Paraguay international Julio Enciso set to discuss Ipswich Town loan switch from Brighton & Hove Albion




Ipswich Town are understood to be closing in on the loan signing of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Paraguayan international attacking midfielder Julio Enciso.

The 20-year-old, who joined The Seagulls for £9 million from Paraguayan outfit Club Libertad in 2022, was linked with Kieran McKenna’s side and their Premier League relegation rivals Leicester City in reports in his home country last week.

And the player who was an unused substitute as Brighton pulled off a 2-0 victory at Portman Road on Thursday was reported to be on his way to Suffolk this evening to complete a loan switch, according to Paraguayan journalist Christian Pérez.

Ipswich Town are reportedly close to bringing in their third addition of the January transfer window with the loan signing of Julio Enciso Picture: Mecha Morton
Ipswich Town are reportedly close to bringing in their third addition of the January transfer window with the loan signing of Julio Enciso Picture: Mecha Morton

SuffolkNews’ Town media partners TWTD understand this to be the case, having been led to believe the Blues have shown an interest, without tabling a bid, in the predominantly attacking central midfielder who can also play on the left wing or as a second striker in the previous couple of transfer windows.

Ensico, who has 23 caps for Paraguay, scoring two goals, has made 16 appearances for Brighton this season,12 of them coming in the Premier League without scoring and assisting. His only goal so far came in his FA Cup start against Norwich City in the recent 4-0 third round victory at Carrow Road. `

Speaking about speculation that Enciso might be about to go out to get game time in his press conference ahead of meeting The Tractor Boys, manager Fabian Hurzeler said: “There are arguments for and against, but the most important is that he knows our arguments, that we know his arguments, that he's giving everything for the club, because in the end, he always says that he really likes to play for Brighton and that's why I think he already showed it this season so far.

“When he was on the pitch, then he had good performances, he proved it last Saturday against Norwich (FA Cup tie in which he scored). So in the end, we are really happy to have him here in the squad.”

He added: “We always have to negotiate what is the best for the individual development from the player. What is helpful at the moment? Is it like playing every game or is it training with the highest quality and not playing every game?

“So that's always a thing where we have to exchange with the player, where we have to negotiate what is the most helpful for the club, what is the most helpful for the player and then I'm sure that we will make the right decision.”

Enciso would be Town’s third signing of the January window, following the loan signing of Atalanta defender Ben Godfrey and the £20 million capture of England Under-21 international winger Jaden Philogene from Aston Villa.