January is always a month of second thoughts and sharp turns in the transfer market, and Chelsea are clearly in that headspace right now.
With injuries piling up and defensive depth under the microscope, the club has decided to pull one of its young centre backs back to London sooner than planned as they reassess their options at the back.
Aaron Anselmino’s Dortmund Loan Comes to an Early End
Chelsea have activated a break clause in Aaron Anselmino’s loan deal, bringing the 20-year-old defender back from Borussia Dortmund.
The Argentine centre back joined the Bundesliga side last summer after arriving from Boca Juniors, but Chelsea wisely included an option to recall him midway through the season.
Despite being highly rated, Anselmino has had limited exposure in a Chelsea shirt so far, with his only appearance coming as a substitute during last summer’s Club World Cup.
Still, the club clearly believes he can play a role as they reshuffle their defence during the January window.
Defensive Depth Forces Chelsea’s Hand
Before his departure, Enzo Maresca had openly voiced concerns about a lack of centre back cover, and those issues haven’t gone away.
Chelsea’s current options now include Anselmino alongside Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, and Jorrel Hato.
There are still question marks, though.
Levi Colwill remains sidelined with injury, while Mamadou Sarr is out on loan with a similar recall clause hanging in the background.
Bringing Anselmino back gives Chelsea flexibility while they decide whether to reinforce further or rely on what they already have.
Josh Acheampong Ruled Out of January Exit
While one young defender is returning, another isn’t going anywhere.
Chelsea have made it clear that academy prospect Josh Acheampong is “impossible” to sell this month.
The 19-year-old, who has often featured at right back despite being a natural centre half, has attracted interest from Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich.
For Chelsea, though, Acheampong is seen as part of the club’s future, and any January approach is being firmly shut down.
A Positive Spell in Germany for Anselmino
Anselmino’s time in Dortmund may have been short, but it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
He made 10 appearances during his loan spell and earned praise from both fans and the club’s hierarchy.
Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has been particularly complimentary, highlighting the defender’s composure and reliability.
Speaking last month, Kovac said Anselmino could be trusted “from the first minute to the last,” describing him as not just a great lad, but a great defender too.
Early Praise That Raised Eyebrows
Kovac had already set the tone earlier in the season when he described Anselmino’s debut against Union Berlin in September as “world class.”
While injuries and minor setbacks slowed his momentum, the overall impression he left in Germany was a positive one.
What Happens Next for Chelsea and Anselmino?
With Anselmino now back at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea face some big decisions.
Will he be eased into the first-team picture, or is this recall simply a temporary move while the club explores other defensive options?
One thing is certain: Chelsea’s January plans are far from settled, and their centre back situation remains very much a work in progress.
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