Ipswich Sign Enciso and Ouattara From Strasbourg in Double Deal

IPSWICH, England —

Ipswich Town completed two signings from Strasbourg on Monday, bringing in forward Julio Enciso and midfielder Abdoul Ouattara as manager Gary O'Neil raided his former French club ahead of the Premier League season opener.

Enciso Returns on Five-Year Deal

Enciso, a 22-year-old Paraguay international, rejoins Ipswich on a permanent five-year contract after spending the second half of last season on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion, according to Channel NewsAsia. That loan spell ended with Ipswich's relegation from the Premier League, but Enciso said he was glad to see the club win promotion back last season.

British media reported the fee at around £25 million ($33 million), Yahoo Sports said, while Channel NewsAsia cited a figure near €30 million ($34.8 million). Ipswich did not disclose financial terms.

Enciso joined Strasbourg in September 2025 and had a strong season there, scoring 12 goals and adding nine assists in 42 appearances, according to Channel NewsAsia. He also played for Paraguay at this year's World Cup, helping the team reach the round of 16.

"I worked with the manager in France last season, and the chance to play for him again at a great club like Ipswich is one I'm very excited for," Enciso said.

Ouattara Joins for Reported £17 Million

Ouattara, a 20-year-old Ivorian midfielder, also signed with Ipswich on Monday, agreeing to a five-year contract for a reported fee of £17 million ($22 million), according to BBC Sport. He made 45 league appearances for Strasbourg last season and helped the club reach the semifinals of the UEFA Conference League, BBC Sport reported.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world, and as soon as I knew the opportunity was there, to play in England under a manager I have already enjoyed working with, I jumped at it," Ouattara said.

O'Neil, who managed Strasbourg last season before taking over at Ipswich in the offseason, praised both signings. "Abdoul is a talented young player who can play in different positions, so is a very good addition to our squad," he said. "We enjoyed working with him in France last season and are delighted to have the opportunity to do so again at Ipswich."

Ipswich have now spent £124 million ($164 million) on player signings since securing promotion from the Championship last season, with Ouattara marking their 11th major addition, according to BBC Sport. The club opens its Premier League campaign at home against Sunderland on Saturday, August 22.