Who is Aaron Anselmino, Strasbourg’s new defensive signing?

Following the sudden departure of Mamadou Sarr to Chelsea, Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace moved quickly to secure the loan of the 20-year-old defender — a player whose talent has never been in doubt, but whose development has repeatedly been interrupted by injury.

From Boca Juniors to Europe

Born on 29 April 2005 in Bernardo Larroudé, Argentina, Anselmino joined Boca Juniors at the age of 12. After progressing through the academy, he signed his first professional contract in June 2023 and quickly broke into the first team.

During his debut season, the centre-back made 10 league starts, gradually establishing himself despite a series of muscular issues — including hamstring and muscle tears — that limited his availability. Even so, his performances were convincing enough to attract interest from Europe’s elite.

A Chelsea move without momentum

In August 2024, Chelsea completed a deal worth €16.5 million for Anselmino. The Argentine initially remained at Boca Juniors before being recalled to London during the winter.

However, his time in England proved frustrating. He made just one appearance for Chelsea’s U21 side, against Liverpool in February 2025, before another hamstring injury ruled him out until May. His only senior involvement came in a brief three-minute cameo against Benfica at the Club World Cup — hardly the platform required to build rhythm or confidence.

Dortmund spell disrupted by injuries

Seeking regular football, Anselmino was loaned to Borussia Dortmund ahead of the 2025–26 season as cover for Niklas Süle. His Bundesliga debut came swiftly, starting on matchday two, but once again injuries intervened.

Despite managing four league appearances and two Champions League starts — both wins, against Villarreal and Bodø/Glimt — further muscular problems restricted his involvement. Just as he was returning to fitness, Chelsea recalled him in January before sanctioning a new loan move to Strasbourg, a decision that reportedly angered Dortmund’s hierarchy.

Former Dortmund coach Niko Kovač spoke warmly of the defender following his departure:

“He was a fantastic young man with an exceptional personality. He needed time to adapt, partly because of his injuries, but he had begun to find his place in the team.”

A fresh start in Ligue 1 McDonald’s

Now at Strasbourg, Anselmino joins his third club in 18 months, fully aware that this spell could define the next phase of his career. Regular playing time and physical continuity are the priorities for a player whose trajectory has so far been shaped as much by setbacks as by promise.

The Argentine defender could make his debut this week, either in the Coupe de France clash against Monaco or away at Le Havre in Ligue 1 McDonald’s — an opportunity to finally turn potential into consistency.

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