Ipswich Town Strengthens Premier League Squad with Enciso and Ouattara

Ipswich Town have underlined their Premier League intent with a double move from Strasbourg, bringing back winger Julio Enciso and landing midfielder Abdoul Ouattara on long-term deals.

The pair, both already familiar with Gary O'Neil’s methods from their time in France, have signed five-year contracts at Portman Road. The combined fee could climb to £47.3m, a statement outlay on two players the manager knows he can trust.

Enciso’s Return: From Loan Spark to Permanent Pillar

For Ipswich supporters, Enciso is no mystery signing. The Paraguay international, 22, lit up the second half of last season on loan from Brighton, adding pace, invention and a touch of chaos to Ipswich’s promotion charge before heading to Strasbourg.

Now he is back for good.

"I am so happy to be back at Ipswich Town," Enciso said. "I really enjoyed my time on loan at the club and I was so happy to see them win promotion back to the Premier League last season.

"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."

This is a deal built on familiarity: a player who knows the club and the dressing room, a manager who understands how to unlock him, and a fanbase that has already seen what he can do in full flow down the flanks.

Ouattara Adds Steel and Stature

If Enciso brings the flair, Ouattara brings the engine.

The 20-year-old Ivorian midfielder made 45 appearances for Strasbourg in Ligue 1 and helped drive them to the Uefa Conference League semi-finals last season. That kind of exposure to high-stakes European nights at such a young age is rare – and precisely the profile Ipswich have targeted since promotion.

"I am still young but have had some good experiences already and I can't wait to meet the fans and my team-mates and get started," Ouattara said.

O'Neil knows exactly what he is getting: a powerful, modern midfielder who can cover ground, compete, and handle the tempo of top-level football. For a newly promoted side preparing for the intensity of the Premier League, that matters.

Big Spending, Clear Direction

These signings continue a bold summer at Portman Road. Since climbing out of the Championship, Ipswich have spent around £150m, with Enciso and Ouattara taking the club to 12 major additions.

This is not a squad being patched up for survival. It is being rebuilt to stay.

Enciso’s return gives Ipswich a familiar attacking threat who already connects with the crowd. Ouattara’s arrival injects youthful authority into the heart of midfield. Both are tied down for five years, both are entering or approaching their prime.

Ipswich are not just back in the Premier League. They are paying to make sure they feel at home there.