Dortmund Furious as Chelsea Shock Bundesliga with Sudden Loan Recall
Borussia Dortmund have been left seething after Chelsea executed a surprise decision to terminate the loan spell of defender Aaron Anselmino. The 20-year-old Argentine, who joined the Bundesliga side last summer, has bid an emotional farewell to his teammates and will return to Stamford Bridge with immediate effect.
Anselmino's Impact and Chelsea's Defensive Crisis
Anselmino made ten appearances for Dortmund and was viewed as a positive addition, integrating well into the squad. His recall comes as Chelsea face a defensive shortage, with centre-backs Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill sidelined due to injuries. This leaves manager Liam Rosenior with only Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Benoit Badiashile as fit options at the heart of defence.
Chelsea had been active in the January transfer window, hoping to secure a new defender. Their primary target, Jeremy Jacquet, appears unattainable until the summer, while interest in Marc Guehi ended when the England international opted for Manchester City instead. This prompted the Blues to activate their recall clause for Anselmino, a move entirely within their contractual rights but one that has sparked significant discontent in Dortmund.
Dortmund's Anger and Official Statement
According to reports from German publication Bild, Dortmund are furious with Chelsea's decision, as they had banked on Anselmino remaining with them for the entirety of the season. The club's official website released a terse statement confirming the departure: "Centre-back Aaron Anselmino is leaving Borussia Dortmund and will return to Chelsea FC with immediate effect. Thank you, Aaron, for your time at BVB and all the best for your future!"
Anselmino, who joined Chelsea from Boca Juniors two years ago but has made only one appearance for the club in the Club World Cup, was seen in tears as he said goodbye to his Dortmund colleagues. His return aims to provide Rosenior with much-needed defensive depth for the remainder of the campaign.
Rosenior's Focus on Youth Management
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has emphasised the importance of carefully managing young talents within the squad. He praised 18-year-old Estevao after the Brazilian's goal and assist in a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, describing him as a "special talent" but cautioning against overburdening him.
"With an 18-year-old with a talent like his, you have to manage his minutes," Rosenior stated. "You have to manage the games that you think are the right moments for him to have an impact. And I’ll keep doing that because I want him to have an outstanding season and I want him to have an outstanding career as well."
Rosenior highlighted the support system around Estevao, including his family and teammates like Andrey Santos and Joao Pedro, who have helped him settle in England. This approach underscores Chelsea's strategy of nurturing young prospects while navigating immediate squad challenges, such as the defensive recall that has strained relations with Dortmund.
