Brighton complete £9.5m transfer of Julio Enciso with Paraguay wonderkid joining from Libertad Asuncion

BRIGHTON have completed the long-awaited signing of Paraguayan youngster Julio Enciso from South American side Libertad Asuncion.

The forward, 18, has completed a £9.5million switch to the Premier League after the Seagulls tried to land him in January but saw the deal fall apart late on.

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They have wasted no time in snapping him up this summer and, despite his age, manager Graham Potter says he will add to the attacking ranks in the coming season rather than heading out on loan.

Potter said: “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.”

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Enciso made his Paraguay debut at just 17 when he appeared as a late substitute in a 3-1 win over Bolivia in June last year and now has five caps to his name.

Brighton have developed a knack for spotting exciting young players and Enciso will look to follow in the footsteps of midfielder Moises Caicedo.

The Ecuadorian joined Brighton in February 2021 and, after spending the first half of last season out on loan, has become one of the most exciting players in Potter's squad.

Enciso is Brighton's first signing of the summer, but the Seagulls' budget is about to be boosted by the £30million deal which will see Yves Bissouma join Tottenham.

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Bissouma reportedly had his medical in London on Thursday ahead of his shock transfer.

Brighton are also at risk of losing star man Marc Cucurella, with Pep Guardiola eager to lure him to Manchester City.

The Seagulls are expected to demand up to £50million for the Spaniard.