Chelsea have announced their decision to activate Mamadou Sarr’s recall clause to bring back the 20-year-old Senegalese centre-back from sister club Strasbourg. The loan spell was cut short, but it will see Aaron Anselmino join the French outfit for the remainder of the season.
The move is hardly a surprise, as Liam Rosenior and the recruitment staff at Stamford Bridge have been looking for options to bolster the Blues’ defence. Notably, the new Chelsea manager also worked with Mamadou Sarr for 18 months at Strasbourg.
The Blues are short in defensive depth, with Tosin Adarabioyo’s ongoing injury rehabilitation. Levi Colwill has also been out of contention since the summer, due to a long-term knee injury. The Blues were widely expected to sign Jeremy Jacquet as their major transfer of the winter window, but the young Rennes defender has opted for a Liverpool move instead. Also, Sarr is a cost-effective option compared with bringing in a new centre-back.
Mamadou Sarr has been an important player for Strasbourg this season, making 18 appearances across Ligue 1 and the UEFA Conference League. He has also shown leadership at the French outfit, captaining the club on a number of occasions. He recently returned from international duty with Senegal, where he lifted the AFCON 2026 trophy, having only just joined up with the national team in November 2025.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has referred to Sarr as “one of the best defenders in Ligue 1” during his time at Strasbourg, and it will be no surprise if the young defender retains a starting role at Stamford Bridge. He notably appeared for Chelsea at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and could make his Premier League debut this weekend, upon his return.
However, he will need to work hard to find a spot while competing with players like Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Benoit Badiashile. The Blues have upcoming games against Arsenal in the EFL Cup and Wolves in the Premier League. giving the 20-year-old an opportunity to prove his worth immediately.
Aaron Anselmino Joins Strasbourg on Loan After Borussia Dortmund Recall
Chelsea have announced their decision to send Aaron Anselmino on loan to Strasbourg in a corresponding move. The 20-year-old Argentine defender is expected to replace Mamadou Sarr in the French outfit’s squad.
Like Sarr, Anselmino also appeared in the Club World Cup last summer, but he did not break into the regular starting lineup at Stamford Bridge. He was loaned to Borussia Dortmund for the season, where he played in 10 games. However, the Blues recalled him, which reportedly upset the German giants.
Now, his growth will continue in France, where he will work under new manager Gary O’Neil, who replaced Rosenior in the Strasbourg dugout. He will have fellow Argentine players like Valentin Barco and Joaquin Panichelli, who could help him adapt to life in another country.