Xabi Alonso will be tasked with making wholesale changes when he officially takes office at Chelsea on July 1, simply due to the size of the squad. Aaron Anselmino is one player whose future is in doubt.
When all of Chelsea’s players return from their loans and World Cup duty this summer, Alonso could well have the best part of 40 players in senior training. Without Europe, Alonso needs to trim that number.
Starting to think England have called up the wrong player?🤔
Marc Cucurella has now left, and others are set to follow him. But Kendry Paez now looks set to return to Chelsea after reports claim his loan at River Plate has been cancelled. His loan was due to run until 2027.
Others find their futures in doubt. Axel Disasi and Tyrique George will be sold permanently, according to The Athletic, while Filip Jorgensen has handed in a transfer request. But what about Aaron Anselmino?
Chelsea’s plan for Aaron Anselmino amid doubts over his future
It has been a difficult 12 months for Anselmino. Initially bought by Chelsea in the summer of 2024, he remained with Boca Juniors on loan until last summer before being sent to Borussia Dortmund for 25-26.
But Chelsea recalled him, which saw Chelsea differ with Dortmund at the negotiating table. Anselmino was then sent to Strasbourg as a replacement for Mamadou Sarr, who had returned to Chelsea.
It didn’t work. Anselmino played just 13 times throughout 2025-26 for Dortmund and Strasbourg, only three for the latter. Given that information, it had been expected that Anselmino could possibly be sold.
But according to The Athletic, Chelsea and Alonso plan on integrating Anselmino into pre-season training before making a decision on the young Argentine. Chelsea will not want to make a loss on the defender.
Anselmino could actually be perfect for Xabi Alonso’s system
The Argentine is clearly a talent, and the biggest problem he has had to endure during the last 12 months is hamstring injuries. If Chelsea can find a way of strengthening Anselmino, they have a real talent.
DISCUSS: Chelsea should sell Aaron Anselmino 👋
Injury-prone.
Indeed, he fits Alonso’s style of play. Excellent on the ball, almost press-resistant, Anselmino would be like having a technically gifted playmaker in the back line, but with all the defensive attributes required.
Chelsea are right to give him a chance, and if Anselmino can stay fit, there is definitely a world in which he plays a part in Alonso’s new era. But right now, it is a big if, and another loan exit is a lot more likely.
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