Ipswich transfer news today: Tractor Boys ‘interested’ in £10m Strasbourg star 

Ipswich Town are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing Julio Enciso back to Portman Road, with Gary O'Neil keen to reunite with the versatile Paraguay international this summer.

According to Sky Sports News, the Tractor Boys have identified Enciso as a key attacking target after the pair worked together at Strasbourg during the 2025-26 campaign. 

The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive season in France, scoring 12 goals in 42 appearances before representing Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Enciso is no stranger to Ipswich supporters after spending the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, where he quickly became a fan favourite with a string of influential performances.

Although Chelsea were heavily linked with the attacker following the end of that campaign, BlueCo instead sanctioned a move worth around £10 million to sister club Strasbourg, where Enciso continued his development under O'Neil. 

It is now that existing relationship which could prove crucial as Ipswich weigh up a move to bring him back to Suffolk.

Ipswich transfer news: Why Gary O'Neil wants Julio Enciso again

O'Neil knows exactly what Enciso can offer after managing him in Ligue 1 last season.

The Paraguay international is capable of operating as a left winger, a number 10 or even as a centre-forward, giving Ipswich valuable tactical flexibility ahead of their return to Premier League football.

His creativity, eye for goal and willingness to carry the ball through central areas make him the type of attacker capable of unlocking stubborn defences, while his World Cup experience has further enhanced his reputation despite still being only 22 years old.

Enciso's familiarity with Portman Road is another significant advantage. Having already adapted to English football during his previous loan spell, he would require far less bedding-in time than many overseas signings.

Ipswich transfer news: Can the Tractor Boys strike a deal?

Any move is unlikely to be straightforward given Enciso's importance to Strasbourg after an outstanding first season at the club.

His 12-goal return under O'Neil shows why BlueCo were prepared to invest in his long-term potential, and Strasbourg may be reluctant to lose one of their most productive attacking players after just one campaign.

However, Ipswich will hope O'Neil's existing relationship with the player, combined with Enciso's positive memories of his previous spell at Portman Road, could help persuade him that a return to England is the right next step.

Whether the move materialises as a loan or a permanent transfer remains unclear, but Ipswich's interest reflects the club's determination to add proven Premier League-quality attackers before the transfer window closes.

FW verdict: An ideal reunion with Julio Enciso

This is exactly the type of signing Ipswich should be pursuing. Enciso has already shown he can make an impact in English football, knows the club and would be joining a manager who understands how to get the best out of him. His versatility would also solve several attacking issues at once, allowing O'Neil to deploy him across multiple positions depending on the opposition.

The biggest obstacle will be convincing Strasbourg to part with one of their standout performers, but if Ipswich can structure a deal that suits all parties, bringing Enciso back to Portman Road could become one of the smartest pieces of business of the summer.