Potter welcome message makes Brighton plans clear for exciting new striker signing Julio Enciso

Brighton and Hove Albion have completed the signing of Paraguayan forward Julio Enciso to join up with their first-team squad.

Enciso is just 18 years old but has already played 68 times for Club Libertad Asuncion in his native country. From those appearances, he has scored 21 goals, in what has certainly been a promising start to his career.

Furthermore, he has already earned six senior caps for Paraguay, although he is yet to score for his nation.

Now, he is bringing his developing talents to the Premier League. After originally wanting him in January, Brighton have announced they have signed Enciso for an undisclosed fee. Reports suggest it could be in the region of £9.5m.

Subject to international clearance, he will be under contract with them for four years, until 2026. Brighton’s announcement confirms he will be part of their first-team squad during pre-season.

Graham Potter told their club website: “Julio is an exciting young talent, and he has had a great start to his career in Paraguay, as well as being a regular in the Paraguay national squad.

“He’s a young guy who is moving away from his home country for the first time, so we will help him to adapt to new surroundings and settle here in Brighton and Hove.

“We’re really looking forward to helping him develop and working with him, and he will complement our existing attacking options this coming season.”

Another South American star boy. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/pPTEZYpua7

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) June 17, 2022

Julio Enciso backed for Brighton chance

Potter’s quotes back up the anticipation that the teenager will be a first-team player at the Amex Stadium for the 2022-23 season, as opposed to being loaned out like fellow South Americans Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister were before their Brighton breakthroughs.

Enciso could therefore be competing with the likes of Neal Maupay, Leandro Trossard and Mac Allister himself for a place in Potter’s lineup, since he can play in behind the main striker or on either wing.

Brighton have done well to invest in young talents during their time as a Premier League club. Their strategy is not changing, so Enciso will hope to make an impression on his first venture outside Paraguayan football.

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