Ipswich Town have taken another major step in their ambitious Premier League rebuild after reaching an agreement to sign Paraguay international Julio Enciso from Strasbourg, handing new manager Gary O’Neil one of his most exciting additions of the summer transfer window.

The Tractor Boys have already been among the busiest clubs in the market following their promotion back to the Premier League, but their latest move underlines the club’s determination to build a squad capable of competing immediately against England’s elite.

Enciso is no stranger to Portman Road.

The 22-year-old attacking star previously spent six months on loan with Ipswich during the 2025 campaign, where he quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his fearless dribbling, creativity and ability to change matches in an instant. Although his stay was brief, his performances left a lasting impression on supporters and the club’s coaching staff.

Now, Ipswich are bringing him back permanently.

One of the driving forces behind the transfer is manager Gary O’Neil, who worked closely with Enciso during their time together at Strasbourg last season. The pair developed a strong relationship in France, and O’Neil reportedly made reuniting with the Paraguayan one of his priorities after taking charge at Portman Road earlier this summer.

That familiarity could prove crucial as Ipswich prepare for the challenges of Premier League football.

Enciso enjoyed an impressive campaign in Ligue 1, with Strasbourg believing he possessed the quality to eventually earn a move to Chelsea due to the close relationship between the two clubs under the BlueCo ownership model.

Instead, Ipswich have moved decisively.

Although the exact transfer fee has not yet been officially disclosed, sources close to the negotiations believe the deal represents a significant investment and will consume a large portion of Ipswich’s remaining summer transfer budget.

Strasbourg, meanwhile, are expected to secure a healthy profit after signing Enciso for approximately £13.8 million only last summer.

The move also highlights just how ambitious Ipswich’s recruitment strategy has become.

Enciso is expected to become the club’s 11th major signing of an extraordinary transfer window. The Tractor Boys have already strengthened almost every area of the squad, adding proven quality and exciting young talent as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.

Among the headline arrivals are Japanese international Daizen Maeda, Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu and striker Emersonn from Toulouse, who currently holds the club’s transfer record following his £24 million move earlier this summer.

Whether Enciso’s arrival surpasses that figure remains unclear, but either way it represents another significant financial commitment from the club’s ownership.

For Gary O’Neil, the signing provides another versatile attacking weapon.

Comfortable playing as an attacking midfielder, winger or supporting striker, Enciso offers creativity, pace and unpredictability—qualities that could prove invaluable against Premier League opposition. His willingness to take defenders on and create chances in tight spaces makes him one of South America’s most exciting attacking talents.

His previous experience at Ipswich should also ease the transition.

Unlike many new arrivals, Enciso already understands the expectations of the supporters, the environment around Portman Road and the culture within the club. That familiarity could help him settle quickly and make an immediate impact once the new season begins.

The transfer also sends a powerful message to the rest of the Premier League.

Ipswich are not simply hoping to survive after promotion—they are investing aggressively in players capable of raising the overall quality of the squad. The club’s recruitment this summer reflects a clear long-term strategy focused on assembling a competitive group rather than relying solely on experienced veterans.

Supporters now have every reason to be excited.

If completed, Enciso’s return would reunite one of the Championship’s most memorable loan stars with the club where he first captured supporters’ hearts. Combined with Ipswich’s impressive business elsewhere in the transfer market, expectations are continuing to rise ahead of the new campaign.

With their Premier League opener against Sunderland fast approaching, Gary O’Neil appears determined to ensure his squad is fully equipped for the challenge.

Bringing Julio Enciso back to Portman Road could prove to be one of the defining signings of Ipswich Town’s summer—and perhaps one of the smartest moves made by any newly promoted club before the 2026/27 Premier League season begins.