Julio Encio has officially joined Ipswich Town and signed a contract with the club until 2031.

Ipswich Town have officially announced the signing of Julio Enciso, bringing him back to the club. The Paraguayan attacker has joined permanently from Strasbourg in Ligue 1, with the transfer fee yet to be disclosed. Enciso has signed a five-year contract, meaning he will remain with Ipswich Town until 2031.  

Julio Encio played for Strasbourg in Ligue 1 last season and was a member of the team under Gary O'Neill's management. Now, with his official return to Ipswich, he will once again work alongside Gary O'Neill.  

Julio Enciso, 22, previously joined Ipswich Town on loan for the second half of the 2024/25 season, making 13 appearances and scoring 2 goals, including a particularly impressive long-range shot against Everton.  

During his time with Strasbourg, Julio Enciso demonstrated outstanding attacking ability, contributing 12 goals and 9 assists, and helping the team reach the semi-finals in both the UEFA Cup and the French Cup.  

This summer, Julio Enciso represented Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, making five appearances during the tournament. In the knockout stage match in Boston against Germany, he scored the opening goal, helping Paraguay to an early lead and ultimately secure the victory.  

Julio Encio couldn't hide his joy when talking about returning to Ipswich Town, saying, "I'm really happy to be a part of Ipswich again. My previous loan spell left me with many wonderful memories, and I've always been happy to see the team continue to improve. Being promoted to the Premier League last season was a very gratifying thing."  

“I worked with the head coach in France last season, and I’m very excited to be coached by him again at such a great club as Ipswich. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch and see the fans again.”  

Gary O'Neill was equally pleased with Julio Enciso's return, saying, "We are delighted to have signed Julio Enciso on a permanent transfer. Fans have already witnessed his ability in the Premier League, and for me personally, it is a great pleasure to work with him again after last season at Strasbourg."  

“He is a young player with outstanding individual ability, capable of changing the course of a game single-handedly, and he has proven this many times throughout his career, including at this summer’s World Cup. He has exceptional creativity and can create threats when it seems like there are no chances. We are delighted to have him and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch.”  

Image source: Internet/Ipswich official website