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Forget Liam Delap – David Moyes should consider signing ‘big’ Ipswich Town talent for Everton
Enciso Shines as Everton Draw 2-2 with Ipswich – Delap and Brighton Star Eyed in Summer Transfer Hunt
Everton were held to a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park by a spirited Ipswich Town side, with Julio Enciso delivering a standout performance for the visitors, including a stunning long-range goal.
Ahead of the match, Everton manager David Moyes expressed admiration for Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who has scored 12 Premier League goals despite the Tractor Boys’ relegation. While the Toffees are known to be interested, Moyes is well aware that several other Premier League clubs are also monitoring the England under-21 international. With a reported £30 million release clause in Delap’s contract, Everton may face tough competition for his signature this summer.
Fans attending Everton’s final home games of the season had their eyes on Delap, but by full-time, it was Enciso who had stolen the show.
The 21-year-old forward, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, was Ipswich’s top performer. His 30-yard rocket past Jordan Pickford just before half-time changed the momentum of the match. A two-goal cushion might have secured all three points for Everton, but Enciso’s strike gave Ipswich a crucial foothold.
Beyond his goal, Enciso’s overall performance stood out. He recorded six shots — three on target — completed all his passes, and drew four fouls. His energy and technical ability made him a constant threat throughout the game.
After the match, Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna confirmed that Enciso’s loan deal does not include a permanent option, meaning he will return to Brighton in the summer. McKenna admitted frustration that injuries had limited Enciso’s impact earlier in the season but praised his development and commitment since arriving.
“It’s frustrating that we didn’t have him longer this season due to his late arrival and injury,” McKenna said. “But he’s shown that kind of individual brilliance that wins games.
He’s improving every week. Unfortunately, there’s no option to keep him — he’ll be heading back to Brighton.”
Enciso, signed by Brighton from Libertad for £9.5 million, missed much of the 2023–24 season due to a serious knee injury. Still, his raw potential has been widely recognized — he was even nominated for the 2023 Golden Boy award.
Everton, meanwhile, are expected to prioritize wide attacking options in the summer. Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom are set to return to Leeds United and Napoli, respectively, at the end of their loan spells.
With budget constraints due to Premier League profit and sustainability rules, Moyes may again look to the loan market for reinforcements.
Should Brighton make Enciso available for another temporary spell, Everton may see him as a valuable addition with Premier League experience already under his belt.
If the Toffees can land both Enciso and Delap, Moyes’ attacking options at Bramley-Moore Dock would be significantly strengthened ahead of next season.
