Chelsea and RC Strasbourg have completed their 12th transaction of the season, a defensive swap that sees Mamadou Sarr recalled to Stamford Bridge while Aaron Anselmino moves to the French club.
The exchange further cements the “BlueCo” multi-club partnership owned by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
The flurry of activity also includes striker David Datro Fofana joining Strasbourg on loan to cover for the injured Emmanuel Emegha.
20-year-old Senegal international Mamadou Sarr returns to Chelsea after winning the Africa Cup of Nations.
Aaron Anselmino, also 20, heads to France following a controversial recall from Borussia Dortmund that left the German club “incensed.”
New Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior, who recently joined from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca, previously coached Sarr and described the defender’s potential as “scary” and “world-class.”
The move comes after Chelsea missed out on Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, who chose a £60m move to Liverpool.
While the multi-club model has benefited players like Andrey Santos, the frequency of deals has sparked protests from Strasbourg fans concerned about the club’s autonomy.
Sarr is expected in London on Tuesday, though he is unlikely to feature in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal that evening.
