Chelsea’s Defensive Strategy: Anselmino’s Loan and Sarr’s Potential Return

Anselmino has been instructed to return to Chelsea in the final week of the January transfer window, prompting the Premier League club to reassess their defensive options ahead of Monday’s deadline. This unexpected decision took both the defender and Borussia Dortmund by surprise, with the German club releasing a video of Anselmino tearfully bidding farewell to his teammates at Signal Iduna Park.

Dortmund’s senior management did not conceal their intentions to negotiate a permanent transfer for Anselmino during his loan period. Sporting director Sebastian Kehl stated in November regarding a potential deal: “I’ll certainly have to pick up the phone over the next few days and give them a call. We have a very good relationship with Chelsea.”

As Chelsea deliberated on Anselmino’s next destination over the weekend, Fabrizio Romano reported that Dortmund was quickly ruled out of the running due to the Blues’ dissatisfaction with prior comments made by the club. Anselmino is viewed as a key player for Chelsea’s future, which is why the club also rejected an offer from an unnamed rival Premier League team this month.

Instead, Romano indicated that Chelsea plans to loan Anselmino to their sister club, Strasbourg, for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. This move could pave the way for the Blues to terminate Mamadou Sarr’s loan with the Ligue 1 side, especially since the 20-year-old is now available at the club level following a successful campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, who emerged as champions. Sarr’s return to Stamford Bridge could expedite his integration into Chelsea’s senior squad as they seek defensive reinforcements.

Initially, Sarr’s return was uncertain as Anselmino appeared reluctant to make the switch to Strasbourg, even temporarily. However, that issue seems to have been resolved. Chelsea also explored a potential deal to acquire Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes earlier this month but is likely to pursue that transfer during the summer window instead.

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea is experiencing strong form under new head coach Liam Rosenior, who has successfully led the team to six victories in his first seven matches. The latest triumph came on Saturday, as the Blues staged a remarkable comeback from a 2-0 deficit at halftime to win 3-2 against West Ham, marking their first such comeback since 1987. Looking ahead, Chelsea will face Arsenal in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, aiming to overturn a 3-2 deficit from the first leg.