“Astonishment” at Chelsea transfer decision as Blues seem to burn bridges with friendly club | OneFootball

Chelsea have made this first important moves of the Liam Rosenior era, one of them being the recall of Aaron Anselmino from Borussia Dortmund.

After starting just 7 games thanks to injuries, the former Boca man will come back to Cobham, which his next steps uncertain.

Dortmund unhappy with Chelsea’s sudden recall decision

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl at a game. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

According to German paper Bild, Dortmund were not happy about the recall. They say it’s an “unusual decision” which “shakes the football world.”

There has even been “considerable astonishment internally” at Dortmund, who apparently now aren’t going to sign a new centre back, so will be short in that position for the rest of the season.

Of course there was a break clause in his deal, so they always knew this was a possibility. But the idea seems to be that they were expecting more warning if Chelsea were going to bring the defender back.

Those suspicions are rather confirmed by Dortmund’s statement. They coldly state that:

“Borussia Dortmund regrets Anselmino’s sudden departure and thanks him for his contributions over the past months. The club wishes the Argentine all the best for the future.”

So much for that “good connection” between the two clubs which their sporting director Sebastian Kehl spoke about back in November. Things look set to be quite a bit frostier on both sides now, despite some successful business between the two in recent years.

In other news…

Anselmino was clearly pretty keen to stay with Dortmund – he was very tearful as he said goodbye to his manager and teammates today in a social clip released by the club.

Estevao Willian provided the definitive magic moment of Chelsea’s win over Crystal Palace, bursting from the halfway line with a great run, and the stats behind it are fascinating.