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By LUKE AUGUSTUS, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Published: 22: 52 AEDT, 26 January 2026 | Updated: 23: 00 AEDT, 26 January 2026 10 View comments Chelsea's decision to recall Aaron Anselmino from his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund has left the German giants reportedly incensed. The 20-year-old Argentine 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 to bring back the defender to bolster their centre-back options. And while it was within Chelsea's rights to do so, BILD claim that the decision has left Dortmund chiefs 'astonished' and 'furious' as it leaves them disadvantaged for several reasons. The first reason for their reported anger is due to the lack of communication and notice from Chelsea, with the Premier League outfit having given 'no indication' beforehand of their intent to recall Anselmino. Furthermore, it gives the Bundesliga outfit just a week before the January transfer window closes on February 2 to find a replacement. 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 It's left director of football Sebastian Kehl and manager Niko Kovac in a predicament; to 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 framework to do so. He had played 10 times for Dortmund on loan and has generally been liked by 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 played a 'world class' game on his 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 bolster Liam Rosenior's squad as they look to make a push for a top-four Premier League berth as well as battle 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 the Argentine, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofanaand Jorrel Hato as options. Mamadou Sarr is on loan with a similar break clause option and 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.
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