The fallout of Chelsea’s decision to recall Aaron Anselmino from his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund continues, with the defender seen crying as he said goodbye to his team-mates in Germany and with their hierarchy reportedly incensed.
The 20-year-old originally joined Dortmund on a season-long loan in the summer. However, as reported by Daily Mail Sport on Sunday, the Blues activated their release clause this month to bring back the defender and bolster their centre back options.
And on Monday, Anselmino was visibly moved as he said goodbye to everyone at Dortmund. In a video posted on X, Dortmund players and staff clap Anselmino as he says an emotional goodbye to everyone individually.
Captioned ‘an emotional farewell’, the 38-second video ends with the Argentine posing for a group photo with soon-to-be old group.
While it was within Chelsea’s rights to recall Anselmino, BILD claim that the decision has left Dortmund chiefs ‘astonished’ and ‘furious’ as it leaves them disadvantaged for several reasons.
Borussia Dortmund are fuming with Chelsea’s decision to recall loanee Aaron Anselmino
Chelsea have decided to recall the defender to bolster their centre-back options this season
Sebastian Kehl (centre) and Niko Kovac (right) are incensed at Chelsea not giving any notice
The first reason for their reported anger is the lack of communication and notice from Chelsea, with the Premier League outfit having given ‘no indication’ beforehand of their intent to recall Anselmino.
The Bundesliga outfit now have just a week before the January transfer window closes on February 2 to find a replacement.
Director of football Sebastian Kehl and manager Niko Kovac must now either find a stop-gap solution or reassess in the summer.
BILD goes on to add that Dortmund were hopeful of signing Anselmino permanently, despite no clause in the original agreement to do so.
He had played 10 times for Dortmund on loan and has impressed the club’s management and fans during his brief spell in Germany.
‘He really does very well when he plays,’ Kovac said last month. ‘He had a bit of bad luck. After his really very good debut he had a few problems.
‘He needed a little time, but you can rely on that young man from the first minute to the last. A great lad, but also a great defender.’
Kovac had earlier talked of how Anselmino had produced a ‘world class’ performance on debut against Union Berlin in September.
Anselmino has only made one appearance for Chelsea, as a substitute during the Club World Cup, but is now set to join up with Liam Rosenior’s squad as they look to make a push for the top four as well as battling for Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup glory.
Rosenior’s predecessor, Enzo Maresca, complained about a lack of centre back depth earlier this season before he left the club.
Chelsea now have Anselmino, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Jorrel Hato as options. Mamadou Sarr is on loan with a similar break clause option and long-term absentee Levi Colwill remains injured.
Chelsea view Josh Acheampong, 19, as ‘impossible’ to sell this month. The academy centre back, who has been utilised more often at right back, has interest from both Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich.
