- Ipswich Town have reached an agreement with RC Strasbourg for Paraguay international Julio Enciso (22)
- Bayer Leverkusen have rejected Ipswich Town’s bid for Exequiel Palacios
- Enciso would reunite with Gary O’Neil and Ipswich after previously playing under O’Neil last season and spending the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Town from Brighton
Ipswich Secure Agreement For Enciso
Ipswich Town have agreed terms with RC Strasbourg over a move for Paraguay international Julio Enciso (22). The full fee that Ipswich are expected to pay has not yet been disclosed.
The deal would continue a highly active summer for Ipswich, who have been among the Premier League’s biggest spenders and have also turned their attention towards Ligue 1. The Tractor Boys have already broken their transfer record by agreeing a €28m deal with Toulouse FC for Brazilian striker Emersonn. They have also brought in Strasbourg’s head coach, Gary O’Neil.
Enciso Set For Familiar Surroundings
Enciso’s move would bring several reunions. The forward played under O’Neil last season, and he also spent time at Ipswich during the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign, when he joined on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.
His Strasbourg spell is set to end after just one season of football. Across all competitions, Enciso made 42 appearances, scored 12 goals and provided nine assists.
Ipswich reach an agreement in principle to sign Julio Enciso from Strasbourg.
Move driven by Gary O’Neil, while Enciso spent six-months on loan at Portman Road in 2025.🚜 pic.twitter.com/Y1QPRbcsRN
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 12, 2026
Palacios Bid Rejected By Bayer Leverkusen
Ipswich’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios has not progressed in the same way. Reports state that the club’s bid for the World Cup-winning Argentina international has been turned down.
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed on Sunday that Town had submitted an ‘official bid’ for Palacios. Later it was reported that the offer was rejected, with Bayer Leverkusen said to be demanding €35m (roughly £30m). It is also further reported that Palacios wants a transfer ‘to a bigger club.’
Player Profiles And Transfer Context
| Player | Club Situation | Age | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julio Enciso | Ipswich Town have reached an agreement with RC Strasbourg | 22 | Paraguay international; full fee not disclosed; previously played under Gary O’Neil and joined Ipswich on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in the latter half of the 2024/25 campaign |
| Exequiel Palacios | Bayer Leverkusen have rejected Ipswich Town’s bid | 27 | Argentina international; Leverkusen reportedly want €35m (roughly £30m); four other clubs from the Premier League and Bundesliga are reported to be interested |
Statistical Snapshot
| Player | Recent Output Or Record | Additional Background |
|---|---|---|
| Julio Enciso | 42 appearances across all competitions for Strasbourg, with 12 goals and nine assists | Set to leave Strasbourg after just a season of football |
| Exequiel Palacios | 18 German top-flight appearances last season, including 12 league starts and one assist | 41-cap Argentina international; won the World Cup in 2022 and got to the final again this year |
Palacios’ Career Background
Palacios, a 5ft 10ins deep-lying midfielder, came through the ranks at his boyhood club River Plate before joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2020. He has earned 41 caps for Argentina, won the World Cup with his country in 2022 and got to the final again this year.
Last season, he featured 18 times in the German top flight, starting 12 league games and contributing one assist.
