Chelsea are orchestrating a defensive reshuffle within their BlueCo ownership network, recalling Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg while sending Aaron Anselmino in the opposite direction. The swap involves two promising defenders as the club addresses their defensive concerns. According to Bbc.com.
Chelsea execute BlueCo defender swap as Sarr returns from Strasbourg
The proposed exchange between the two 20-year-old central defenders represents a strategic move within clubs under the same Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership group. Sarr is expected to feature in Strasbourg’s home match against Paris St-Germain on Sunday night, but it is likely to be his final appearance for the Alsace club.
Anselmino was recalled from his loan at Borussia Dortmund last week and was filmed in tears as he said goodbye to team-mates in Germany. Reports there said Dortmund were incensed and caught by surprise by Chelsea’s decision, which is understood to have been communicated three hours before a clause permitting a recall expired.
The defender swap comes amid a complicated end to Chelsea’s winter transfer window, with the club also in discussions over a substantial deal to sign Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet. Jacquet, also 20, could join imminently or in the summer, but Rennes are keen to avoid losing him in the middle of the season.
Recently appointed Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior described Sarr as “my son”, with “scary” potential to become “world class” during his spell in charge of Strasbourg last season. The defender’s expected return, after winning the Africa Cup of Nations as a starter for Senegal in January, is likely to provoke anger among Strasbourg supporters.
Chelsea’s defence has not performed at the level of their attack in the Premier League this season and they rank only 11th for expected goals against despite having conceded the joint-third fewest goals. Yet Chelsea can strengthen their defence in the short term by bringing back a player Rosenior likes working with, while also moving to secure long-term target Jacquet.
