German giant Borussia Dortmund is said to be furious over the recalling of a young gun centre back, who was seen in tears over his departure.
Twenty-year-old Aaron Anselmino was in the European summer sent by Chelsea to Dortmund on a season-long loan.
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But he has this week been pulled back to London well ahead of time, with Chelsea triggering an early release clause that has unsettled both the player and club.
In a video released by Dortmund, Anselmino was seen in tears as he gave a highly emotional goodbye to teammates and club staff.
Dortmund simply captioned the video: “An emotional farewell”.
German publication Bild has reported that Dortmund bosses were “astonished” and “furious” over Chelsea’s decision to recall Anselmino, adding that it was an “unusual” decision.
The report claims that the club has been left incensed by the lack of communication — and notice — given by the Blues, with allegedly “no indication” being given about their intention to bring him back.
The timing leaves Dortmund until just February 2 to find a replacement for Anselmino, who had played for the club across 10 games this season and was considered a star of the future.
The club was said to have hopes of making his signing permanent with manager Niko Kovac singing high praises earlier this season.
“He really does very well when he plays,” Kovac said last month.
“He had a bit of bad luck. After his really very good debut he had a few problems.
“He needed a little time, but you can rely on that young man from the first minute to the last. A great lad, but also a great defender.”
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There’s been a twist in the race to sign wantaway Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta with Premier League battlers Nottingham Forest emerging with a rival bid.
Italian giant Juventus or Aston Villa were thought to be in the box seat to sign Mateta, whose asking price has been set by the London club at £40 million (A$79m).
However, both have so far baulked at the demand, opening the window to Forest to make a play.
Sky Sports reports that Forest are willing to pay £35m (A$69m) to sign Mateta.
Mateta has not yet handed in a formal transfer request, but has been agitating for a move away from Palace, which sits just two places above Forest on the Premier League table in 15th.
Adding extra spice to the situation is that Palace plays Forest on Monday.
The Mateta battle is the latest incident that has turned Palace and Forest into a modern day Premier League rivalry.
In June, Forest pressured UEFA to drop Crystal Palace from the Europa League to the Conference League on the grounds that American businessman John Textor had influence over both the London club and France’s Lyon.
They were successful and, as a result of Palace’s demotion, Forest was pushed up into this season’s Europa League.