Chelsea have reportedly reached a definitive decision on the future of striker Nicolas Jackson, informing the player his career at Stamford Bridge is effectively finished.
The Failed Bayern Munich Clause
The situation stems from Jackson's high-profile loan move to German champions Bayern Munich at the start of the 2025-26 season. The Bundesliga giants paid a substantial loan fee of £14 million to secure his services for the campaign.
As part of the complex agreement, Bayern committed to a permanent transfer worth £56 million if Jackson met a specific appearance threshold. Club president Uli Hoeness later clarified that the trigger was set at 40 starts for the Senegalese international.
However, Jackson's involvement in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations for Senegal has scuppered those plans. With only 15 appearances and five goals so far this season, he is now mathematically unable to reach the required number of starts, nullifying the automatic purchase option.
An Awkward Bridge Return and a Clear Message
This development means the 24-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal for £32 million in 2023, is scheduled to return to London at the season's end. Yet, that return will be brief.
Chelsea's hierarchy have made it explicitly clear to Jackson that his time at the club is 'over' and they will sanction a permanent sale next summer. Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano states that Jackson will not be part of Chelsea's first-team plans moving forward and that the player both respects and agrees with the decision.
The club's stance was solidified last summer with the signings of attackers Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, which initially prompted Jackson's desire to join Bayern.
What Comes Next for Jackson?
Chelsea's preferred solution is to negotiate a fresh deal with Bayern Munich. They are expected to offer the Bundesliga leaders the chance to sign Jackson for the previously agreed £56 million fee, with Bayern set to deliberate until the summer.
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany is said to be satisfied with Jackson's contributions as a backup to Harry Kane for a side leading the Bundesliga and competing in the Champions League. However, the significant fee for a non-starting player remains a considerable hurdle.
Should Bayern decline, Chelsea will explore other markets. Clubs in Italy are already monitoring the situation, while Premier League sides like Aston Villa – managed by Jackson's former Villarreal boss Unai Emery – showed interest last summer.
The news concludes a mixed period for Jackson at Chelsea, where he won the Conference League and Club World Cup but frustrated with his finishing, prompting surprise from pundits like Paul Merson at his sale. Meanwhile, Chelsea have climbed to third in the Premier League without him.
