Photo by Steve Christo - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Photo by Steve Christo - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
Chelsea defender Aaron Anselmino might have gone into the summer expecting to be sold or sent on loan. It comes after a frustrating 2025-26 campaign in which he struggled out on loan.
Signed in 2024, Anselmino remained at Boca Juniors until 2025 before linking up with Chelsea for the Club World Cup. He made his only competitive Chelsea outing at the Club World Cup against Benfica.
Where will Chelsea finish in the Premier League in 2026/27?
Let's hear how you think Xabi Alonso will get on this season…
The Argentine was then sent on loan to Dortmund for the 2025-26 season. But hamstring injuries limited Anselmino to just 10 appearances in Germany, leading to Chelsea’s decision to recall him in January.
A decision that caused ‘beef’ between Chelsea and Dortmund. He was sent on loan to Strasbourg for the remainder of the season, but injury limited him to three appearances, and this summer, he returned.
READ MORE: Chelsea are much more likely to be title contenders without Enzo Fernandez
Xabi Alonso makes surprise Aaron Anselmino decision
After another injury in pre-season, Anselmino will have been expecting to be thrown on loan for a third time since being on Chelsea’s books. But actually, it appears Alonso has decided to keep him at Cobham.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Chelsea FC: Sydney Super Cup
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
The Athletic say that Chelsea will consider loan offers for the defender, but that they are also happy to keep him around. It might be that Chelsea want to allow him to recover and solve his hamstring issues.
But it could also be because Anselmino suits a defence under Alonso perfectly. His press-resistant ability on the ball, his speed, his robust approach – all attributes that Alonso looks for in his defenders.
Anselmino offers something different to Chelsea’s defenders
This summer, Anselmino featured in five of Chelsea’s six friendlies. He started against Johor Darul Ta’zim but lasted just 30 minutes before the hamstring injury. He missed Sociedad, but he had done enough.
Right-footed Anselmino played on the left of a back three, or at left-back, throughout pre-season. Clear versatility that Alonso needs in his Chelsea squad to provide cover for the first-choice defenders.
Marco Palestra can play on either side, Wesley Fofana can play as a centre-back or right-sided centre-back, and Reece James can do wing-back or the right of a back three. But Anselmino can do it all.
Naturally a centre-back, he can play anywhere across the back three, such is his technical ability. If Alonso switches to four at the back, Anselmino is also able to adapt and play as a full-back, on either side.
No other Chelsea defender boasts the versatility that Anselmino offers. The stumbling block is these muscle injuries, and it is something that the Blues need to get on top of. If so, he’s a real asset.