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Chelsea’s decision to recall Aaron Anselmino from his loan deal at Borussia Dortmund has sparked a backlash in Germany. The Blues have ordered Anselmino to return from Dortmund in the January transfer window to provide cover in central defence – and the decision has not gone down well.

The 20-year-old defender has enjoyed his time with Dortmund, making 10 appearances and contributing a goal and an assist. While his game time has been limited by injuries, the Argentine has clearly settled well in the Bundesliga and has been caught off guard by Chelsea’s decision.

With Levi Colwill unavailable due to a serious knee injury and Tosin Adarabioyo also currently out, Liam Rosenior has been left with Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong as his options at the back.

Anselmino, who was signed from Boca Juniors in August 2024, has therefore been recalled ahead of Mamadou Sarr – who is on loan at sister club Strasbourg – even as Chelsea continue to push to sign Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes.

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Dortmund released a curt statement to confirm the news and followed it with a video on Monday afternoon captioned “an emotional farewell” which showed Anselmino crying as he hugged goodbye to his team-mates. And Bild reports that the German giants are furious behind the scenes, describing the recall as an ‘unusual’ decision which ‘shakes the football world’.

Anselmino was signed on a season-long loan deal and Dortmund are irritated that Chelsea have triggered a recall in the last week of the January window. The call has ’caused considerable astonishment internally’ because it hasn’t left them much time to find a replacement.

Anselmino cost Chelsea around £15m from Boca Juniors 18 months ago but he has only made one senior appearance for the club so far. He has struggled with injuries and the move to Dortmund was initially seen as a perfect way for him to settle into European football.

He clearly revelled in it. Writing on Instagram, Anselmino sent a message to Dortmund fans: “It was an incredible 6 months, thank you so much for the love you gave me from day one, I wish you all the best!! Heja BVB.”

Anselmino also shared messages from two of his team-mates which showed the connections he has formed at Dortmund. Yan Couto wrote: “Brother!!! What a pleasure it was to play with you these past 6 months! Best of luck in your future. You're a star on and off the pitch. I hope we see each other again soon, brother. I love you so much, my friend, I'm going to miss you.”

Ex-Wolves forward Fabio Silva added: “Thank you for all the moments we shared, my dear little brother! I wish you all the best. I'm going to miss you so much, but I'll cherish everything we experienced and your friendship. Thank you for everything! I love you very much.”

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