Chelsea have recalled defender Aaron Anselmino from his loan move to Borussia Dortmund, it has been confirmed.
The 20-year-old Argentine joined the Blues from Boca Juniors in 2024, with this Bundesliga loan his first experience of senior European football, save for a two-minute cameo for Chelsea at the Club World Cup.
The decision to recall Anselmino from Chelsea came after negotiations to sign Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet hit a stumbling block.
A curt statement from Dortmund read: “Borussia Dortmund regrets Anselmino's sudden departure and thanks him for his contributions over the past months. The club wishes the Argentine all the best for the future.”
The young Argentine made ten appearances for Dortmund, including three in the Champions League, notching one goal and one assist. He also suffered a minor muscular injury early in his stay at the Westfalenstadion.
Anselmino was evidently highly rated by Dortmund. Speaking in November, the club's sporting director Sebastian Kehl revealed he was hoping to sign the youngster on a permanent deal come the end of his loan spell.
“I will have to pick up the phone in the next few days and will certainly call them," Kehl said at the time.
“We hope that Aaron will stay on, of course. We have a very good connection with Chelsea.”
Head coach Nico Kovac was similarly effusive in his praise: "He fights with crusader spirit. When things get tight, there’s no nonsense with him. He breaks through. And that’s something you need at this level."
Chelsea's trip to Napoli on Wednesday may come too soon for Anselmino to be involved. He could feature, however, when West Ham visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The Blues are still understood to be considering their options for defenders. Mamadou Sarr can be recalled from his loan to Strasbourg, while the club continues to hold an interest in Jacquet, Como's Jacobo Ramon, and Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi.
