Chelsea’s Loan Management Strategy: Anselmino’s Unexpected Recall from Dortmund

omidbasir- In 2024, Chelsea FC signed defender Anselmino from Boca Juniors, allowing him to remain with the Argentine club on loan for the 2024-25 season. The young talent returned to Stamford Bridge last summer and made his debut as a substitute in the Club World Cup, contributing to a 4-1 victory over Benfica.

Following his return, Anselmino was loaned to Borussia Dortmund for the season. However, the arrangement included a break clause, which Chelsea has since activated. This decision to cut short the centre-back’s loan has not been received well by Dortmund, with club officials reportedly frustrated by Chelsea’s choice to recall the Argentina U20 international.

Anselmino, who has made 10 appearances for Dortmund this season, was visibly emotional as he bid farewell to his teammates. Dortmund shared a video on social media showing him embracing players and staff after the announcement of his return to England.

Dortmund’s management is reportedly reeling from the abruptness of Anselmino’s departure, having received no prior notice of Chelsea’s decision. His return leaves the German side at a disadvantage as they search for a replacement in the closing days of the January transfer window.

Head coach Niko Kovac previously praised Anselmino, highlighting his potential despite facing some challenges earlier in the season. Kovac remarked, “He really performs well when he plays. He had a bit of bad luck, but you can rely on that young man from the first minute to the last. He is both a great lad and a solid defender.”

Chelsea’s decision to recall Anselmino coincides with difficulties in securing their top centre-back target, Jeremy Jacquet. While personal terms with the 20-year-old were agreed, negotiations with Rennes fell short, preventing the French defender from joining Chelsea.

Reports indicate that Rennes has no intention of allowing Jacquet to leave during the January window but may consider a sale ahead of the summer transfer window. Chelsea aims to be competitive in the race for Jacquet, but they will face challenges from Premier League rivals Liverpool and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Chelsea has been seeking defensive reinforcements since it was confirmed that Levi Colwill would likely miss the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury. Joining Colwill on the sidelines is Tosin Adarabioyo, leaving Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, and the injury-prone Wesley Fofana as the club’s main experienced centre-back options. They also have the option to recall Mamadou Sarr, who joined Strasbourg over the summer and recently celebrated AFCON victory with Senegal.

Since taking over from Enzo Maresca earlier this month, Chelsea has enjoyed a strong start under head coach Liam Rosenior, winning four out of five games. Their only setback was a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg.

Chelsea aims to build on this momentum as they prepare to face Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday and later host rivals West Ham.