The case of Aaron Anselmino became one of the topics of the transfer market in Europe. The Argentine defender was unexpectedly recalled late last Sunday by Chelsea, which cut short his loan at Borussia Dortmund in an unforeseen move, generating anger in the German club's board and also surprise in the footballer himself. However, the issue is taking an unexpected turn: the English club could loan him out again without using him after all the tension generated by the decision.

This is because the Blues' board finds itself in a labyrinth of decisions as the winter transfer window deadline approaches. The London club is studying alternatives and seeking to advance the possible return of Mamadou Sarr, currently on loan at Racing Strasbourg in the Ligue 1, intending to strengthen its defense.

Chelsea officials are considering repatriating Sarr, a center-back for the Senegal national team and captain of Strasbourg, under a contractual clause with the London club until 2026. Even Liam Rosenior, the English club's manager, on previous occasions, showed his appreciation for the performance of the 20-year-old footballer, who has played 14 matches in Ligue 1 this season.

However, this move depends on Strasbourg receiving a reliable replacement. The designated player for that task would be Aaron Anselmino, who recently returned to Chelsea after his loan with Borussia Dortmund ended. The Argentine's early return took the German club's board by surprise, and they lamented the defender's departure, who could not hold back tears during his farewell.

Days ago, the German newspaper Bild reported that at Borussia Dortmund, they are "irritated" by Chelsea's "unusual decision." "There is a feeling of shock at Borussia Dortmund, with executives furious with their counterparts at Chelsea."

The motivation behind that decision now seems to be exposed: Chelsea's strategy could be to send Anselmino to Strasbourg as part of the exchange. "Chelsea is considering recalling Mamadou Sarr (currently on loan at Strasbourg) and transferring Aaron Anselmino to the French club. However, the operation is proving complex."

In parallel, the English club is keeping negotiations open with Rennes for Jérémy Jacquet, though it has not made concrete progress. According to the French media, the discussions between the two clubs are centered on the player's valuation. Chelsea proposes buying him now and leaving him on loan at Rennes until June, but the agreement remains unconcluded.

The relationship between Chelsea and Strasbourg is much more than a simple operation between clubs. Since 2023, the French team has belonged to the same consortium that owns the London club, BlueCo, headed by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, who acquired Chelsea in 2022.

In mid-2025, Chelsea finalized the purchase of Mamadou Sarr with an eye on the Club World Cup, where the English club ended up being crowned champion. The 20-year-old center-back arrived from Racing Club de Strasbourg for a figure close to $20 million with a contract until 2033. However, he played little in England and returned to the Alsace region.

Currently, the fate of Mamadou Sarr remains in suspense, a few days before the transfer deadline. Chelsea is unable to repatriate the Senegalese center-back, while Strasbourg fails to add a reliable substitute for its defense.

Anselmino, a product of Boca Juniors, was acquired by Chelsea in August 2024 and, although initially left on loan at the Xeneize, quickly decided to add him for the 2025 season. After having a few minutes in the first part of the season with the Blues, Anselmino went on loan to Dortmund. He was to stay at the German entity until mid-2026, but they decided to recall him early: "The Premier League club activated a clause on Sunday night that prematurely ends the defender's loan, which was initially scheduled until June 30, 2026," was Borussia Dortmund's statement.

Roundtablesports is Free to join! You can post your own thoughts, comment on articles, and start conversations with our Roundtable Writers. Scroll up to the top of the page and click 'Join'.

Download the FREE Roundtable APP, and get even easier access to your favourite teams and news!