Aaron Anselmino has returned to Chelsea following the club’s decision to end his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund. The announcement came right after their 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
During his time with Dortmund, Anselmino made just 10 appearances in the first half of the season. His recall followed reports from Fabrizio Romano indicating that Jeremy Jacquet would only be considered a summer target.
It is still up in the air what will happen with Anselmino for the rest of January, and there has even been talk he could go back to Dortmund if Chelsea bring in another central defender.
Despite the current hamstring injury sidelining Tosin Adarabioyo, Chelsea’s defence retains options including Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Josh Acheampong, and Wesley Fofana. Given the existing squad depth, it appears Anselmino will likely be limited to a back-up role.
Fabrizio Romano shares why Chelsea decided to bring Aaron Anselmino back
There are a couple of reasons that could explain the move. One is that it frees up a foreign loan slot for someone like Raheem Sterling or Axel Disasi, who could leave on loan this month.
Napoli have shown interest in Sterling, while Disasi has been linked with several Serie A clubs. FIFA allows six foreign loans per club, and Anselmino’s return frees up one of those slots. But Romano has suggested another explanation.
The Italian journalist reported that Anselmino was recalled because Chelsea got wind of Dortmund making plans for a permanent move during December. The defender joined from Boca Juniors for £15.6m in 2024.
“Chelsea decision is because, I can reveal, at the beginning of December, Dortmund made clear to people close to the player that they wanted to sign Anselmino permanently,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“In the summer. They were preparing a budget to make an official bid to Chelsea. But Chelsea made clear Anselmino is a part of their long-term plans.”
Liam Rosenior chooses Aaron Anselmino over Mamadou Sarr recall
Chelsea currently have six players out on loan at foreign clubs, with three based at Strasbourg. One option before recalling Anselmino was Mamadou Sarr, who just featured in the AFCON final.
The centre-back has stayed put in France though. According to reports, Liam Rosenior had the chance to recall either him or Anselmino and opted for the latter.
The reasoning behind the decision and the contributing factors may be hard to discern. While Sarr remains with Strasbourg, where he is a key player, the persistent worry – that the new manager favours Anselmino – will undoubtedly linger in his thoughts.
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