Aaron Anselmino Recalled By Chelsea After Emotional Dortmund
Chelsea defender Aaron Anselmino has been brought back from his loan at Borussia Dortmund, ending his six-month spell with the Bundesliga club earlier than planned.
The 20-year-old Argentine was expected to spend the full 2025-26 season in Germany but has returned to London after Chelsea activated a recall clause in his loan agreement, according to Borussia Dortmund.
Dortmund confirmed the move on Monday, saying the club “deeply regrets” the defender’s sudden departure and thanked him for his contributions before wishing him well.
Anselmino’s recall comes as Chelsea adjust their defensive options partway through the January transfer window, a period that often sees clubs reassess squad needs ahead of the final weeks of domestic and European action.
The centre-back now returns to face competition for minutes under Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior.
Emotional Departure at Dortmund
Anselmino’s exit from Dortmund was marked by visible emotion. In footage shared on Dortmund’s social channels, the defender was seen shedding tears as he said goodbye to team-mates and staff at training.
Players including Fabio Silva applauded him during the farewell, reflecting the bond he had built in a short time at the Westfalenstadion.
In a message on social media, Anselmino thanked Dortmund supporters for their support throughout his stay, describing his experience with the club as “incredible” and expressing his appreciation for the reception he received from day one.
His reaction highlights the personal impact of a mid-season recall, especially for a young player who had just begun to settle into European club football away from his parent club.
Performance and Development in Germany
Anselmino moved to Borussia Dortmund on loan in August after signing for Chelsea from Boca Juniors in 2024 on a long-term contract.
During his loan, he featured in ten matches across all competitions, including the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
Despite some injury setbacks that limited his availability, he impressed during appearances, winning a high percentage of his tackles and showing defensive promise against top-flight competition.
In the Bundesliga, he was noted for his work rate and willingness to challenge in duels, attributes that made him a useful squad member during his time in Germany.
Prior to his stint at Dortmund, Anselmino had limited senior experience with Chelsea, making a brief cameo in the FIFA Club World Cup after signing with the club.
The loan was intended to accelerate his development through regular European football and exposure to different tactical environments.
Chelsea’s Defensive Context
Chelsea’s decision to recall Anselmino appears linked to defensive concerns within their own squad.
The Blues have dealt with multiple injuries in central defence this season, with key players like Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana sidelined for extended periods, and Levi Colwill out long-term due to an ACL injury.
Bringing Anselmino back gives Chelsea additional cover as they navigate Premier League fixtures and potential cup commitments.
The club is also exploring other defensive targets in the January window, including Rennes centre-back Jérémy Jacquet, though negotiations have yet to conclude.
Anselmino’s return adds depth to a position where options have been stretched, even if he is not yet guaranteed regular first-team minutes.
At 20, he remains one of the club’s young defensive prospects, and his reintegration into the squad will be watched closely in the coming weeks.
Reaction from Dortmund
Dortmund’s official statement expressed disappointment at the timing of the recall, which comes with the transfer deadline approaching.
The club noted that Chelsea activated the clause on Sunday evening, cutting short a loan originally due to run until June 30, 2026.
While brief, the loan had been viewed positively within the Dortmund setup, with sporting director Sebastian Kehl previously indicating a desire to retain Anselmino beyond the season based on his performances.
The premature end to his spell, therefore, represents a setback for Dortmund as they manage their own defensive resources.
What Happens Next
Chelsea’s recall of Anselmino adds another layer to their January squad planning. With defence a priority and the calendar demanding, the Argentine’s return gives the Blues additional flexibility.
Whether Anselmino will feature immediately in competitive action remains unclear, with his readiness and tactical fit under Rosenior to be assessed in training.
For Dortmund, the challenge now lies in addressing a sudden defensive gap as domestic and European fixtures continue.
