Ipswich sign Abdoul Ouattara and Julio Enciso before Sunderland opener | OneFootball

Ipswich Town have completed the signings of Abdoul Ouattara and Julio Enciso from Strasbourg ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Sunderland at Portman Road.

Sunderland Echo reports that Gary O’Neil moved for Ouattara, a 20-year-old full-back he previously coached at the Ligue 1 club, as Ipswich continue a busy window following May’s promotion.

Ouattara has made 45 league appearances for Strasbourg and featured in last season’s Europa Conference League semi-finals, which ended in a 2-0 aggregate defeat to Rayo Vallecano. He has agreed a five-year contract.

He said he was delighted to join Ipswich, described the Premier League as the best league in the world, and jumped at the chance to play in England under a manager he already knows. He added that, though still young, his experiences leave him eager to meet supporters and team-mates and get started.

Enciso has signed permanently on a five-year deal after an undisclosed fee was agreed with Strasbourg. The Paraguay international spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Portman Road, then played last season for Strasbourg.

He also brings Premier League experience from Brighton and Hove Albion, where he recorded five goals and six assists in 57 appearances across a three-year spell at the Amex Stadium. Enciso said he was happy to return, welcomed the club’s promotion, and is excited to work again with O’Neil and reconnect with fans.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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