Chelsea Activate Recall Clause as Decision Made on Borussia Dortmund Loan Defender

Chelsea have opted to recall defender Aaron Anselmino from his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, with the decision taken ahead of the closing stages of the January transfer window.

The Blues sent the 20-year-old centre-back to the Bundesliga side last summer on a season-long loan in order to aid his development through regular first-team football. However, Anselmino has found opportunities limited in Germany, making just 10 appearances in all competitions, including six in the league.

Chelsea are understood to have included a break clause in the loan agreement, which has now been triggered to allow the defender to return to Stamford Bridge before the window closes.

The club have until 2 February to finalise their transfer business, and Anselmino’s immediate future will be assessed upon his return. While the move brings him back into the first-team picture, it remains possible that another loan arrangement could be explored should the right opportunity arise.

Chelsea’s decision to cut the loan short is partly aimed at strengthening their defensive options for the second half of the campaign. The possibility of signing an additional centre-back has been widely discussed in recent weeks, with Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet emerging as a potential target.

New head coach Liam Rosenior selected Benoît Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah at the heart of the defence during Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League victory away to Crystal Palace. Jorrel Hato and Wesley Fofana were introduced from the bench at Selhurst Park, while Josh Acheampong remained an unused substitute.

Levi Colwill continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained last summer, further fuelling speculation that Chelsea could look to reinforce their defensive ranks before the deadline.

Jacquet, 20, is known to be admired by Chelsea, with the Rennes centre-back contracted until the summer of 2029. Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest in the highly rated defender during the current transfer window.