EPL Transfer News: Enciso to Chelsea, Elliot Exit, Strand Larsen and More
Julio Enciso Secures Move Towards Chelsea
Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Julio Enciso has reportedly agreed a move to Strasbourg, a deal that will ultimately see him join Chelsea next summer.
Enciso, 21, endured a difficult season under new manager Fabian Hürzeler, struggling for minutes before heading out on loan to Ipswich Town for the second half of the campaign. During his spell at Portman Road, he scored twice and provided three assists alongside new Chelsea striker Liam Delap, before returning to Brighton with only a year left on his contract.
According to The Athletic, BlueCo—the group that owns both Chelsea and Strasbourg—has reached a £17.3 million agreement to bring Enciso into their network. While the finer details of the transfer are yet to be confirmed, reports indicate Enciso will initially remain with Strasbourg, viewed as a “long-term” asset for Chelsea. BBC Sport has further suggested that the plan is for him to switch to Stamford Bridge after just 12 months in France.
Chelsea are currently unable to send additional players to Strasbourg this season, having already loaned Mamadou Sarr, Kendry Páez and Mike Penders to gain experience under manager Liam Rosenior.
Harvey Elliott Edges Closer to Leipzig Exit
Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott looks increasingly likely to depart Anfield after agreeing personal terms with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, according to reports from Germany.
Once regarded as one of Jürgen Klopp’s most trusted players, Elliott saw his playing time diminish last season under new boss Arne Slot. This has paved the way for a potential summer move.
Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reports that Leipzig view Elliott as their “top target” to replace attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, who is attracting strong interest from Chelsea and appears set to move to west London rather than Bayern Munich.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are open to a sale provided they receive a “suitable offer” for the 22-year-old. Previous reports placed his valuation between £40–50 million, depending on the terms of the deal.
Harry Maguire Addresses Manchester United Future
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has confirmed that the club have rejected interest in his services this summer, though he has not ruled out a potential January departure.
The centre back, who turns 33 in March, has entered the final year of his contract without an extension in place. Reports earlier this month linked as many as five clubs—three in the Premier League and two from Serie A—with exploring the possibility of signing him.
Speaking via The Times at a Manchester United Foundation event, Maguire stated: “I’m pretty sure the club have made it aware this summer that I can’t leave the club on any terms with other clubs inquiring about my things and my position with my contract. I’m sure over the next few months they’ll sit down and we’ll have to have a conversation about where we want to go and if they want to extend or the transfer window will open again in January.
“Obviously I have something in my mind about what I want to do and what I want to be. I don’t want to put it out there to everybody but it’s an amazing club to play for and you’d be silly if you wanted to jump out of it as soon as you could.”
Rasmus Højlund Seeks Serie A Return
Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund has accepted that he must leave Old Trafford this summer. The Danish international is eyeing a return to Serie A, with Napoli currently believed to be ahead of AC Milan in the pursuit of his signature (Source: GIVEMESPORT).
Arsenal Eye Nicolas Jackson and Julián Alvarez
Arsenal’s hunt for a replacement for the injured Kai Havertz has seen them shortlist Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who is valued at £60 million (Source: TEAMtalk).
Also under consideration by Mikel Arteta is Atlético Madrid’s Julián Alvarez, as reported by The Sun.
Real Madrid Plot Haaland–Vinicius Swap
In a sensational future move, Real Madrid are weighing up a major swap deal that would send Vinicius Junior to Manchester City in exchange for Erling Haaland, with a proposed timeline of summer 2026 (Source: Fichajes).
Manchester United Show Interest in Andrey Santos
During negotiations with Chelsea over Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United have also registered their interest in Blues midfielder Andrey Santos. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea have made it clear the Brazilian is not available for sale at any price.
Manchester City in Talks for Gianluigi Donnarumma
Manchester City have entered formal negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, PSG’s £43.3 million valuation is reported by Alfredo Pedullà to be far higher than what City are willing to pay.
Ademola Lookman in Demand
Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has held discussions with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur over the past 48 hours. The Nigerian international is actively seeking a new club following the collapse of his proposed move to Inter (Source: TBR Football).
Borussia Dortmund Target Chelsea Duo
Borussia Dortmund are exploring a loan move for Chelsea centre back Aarón Anselmino. However, the Bundesliga side will only be permitted to proceed if they also agree to a permanent deal for midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka. Talks are reported to be progressing positively (Source: Sky Germany).
Marseille Join Race for Kostas Tsimikas
Marseille have entered the race to sign Liverpool left back Kostas Tsimikas, joining Premier League side Nottingham Forest in pursuit of the Greek defender (Source: Daily Mail).
Tottenham Hotspur Linked with Alexander Sørloth
Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing Atlético Madrid striker Alexander Sørloth. The Norwegian is unsettled in Spain and is eager to return to the Premier League (Source: Fichajes).
Spurs, however, are not pursuing Xavi Simons, as the RB Leipzig midfielder remains intent on joining Chelsea instead (Source: Fabrizio Romano via Simon Phillips).
Newcastle Push for Jørgen Strand Larsen
Newcastle United are pressing ahead with a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, who carries a valuation in excess of £60 million. Wolves, however, are only willing to sanction a deal if they can secure two replacements (Source: Express & Star).
West Ham United Target Lorenzo Pellegrini
West Ham are chasing Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, who has entered the final year of his contract. Roma want £8.7 million for their captain, though the Hammers are pushing to pay half that figure (Source: Corriere dello Sport).
Bournemouth Open Talks for Axel Disasi
Bournemouth are in negotiations with Chelsea over a move for centre back Axel Disasi, who spent last season on loan at Aston Villa. Talks are ongoing (Source: Sacha Tavolieri).
Real Madrid Tried to Land Ibrahima Konaté
Officials from Real Madrid attempted to orchestrate a complex transfer involving Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté earlier this summer.
When Liverpool pursued Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo—on whom Madrid hold a 50% sell-on clause worth around £26 million—Los Blancos proposed allowing the Reds to keep those funds in exchange for Konaté. However, Liverpool refused the approach (Source: Defensa Central).