According to The Athletic, Chelsea and Bayern reached an agreement on 29/8 for Jackson to join the German club on a one-season loan with an option to buy in the summer of 2026. Bayern would pay USD 17 million for the loan, with a purchase option of USD 76 million, bringing the total potential value of the deal to USD 93 million.

On 30/8, Jackson flew to Munich to undergo a medical. However, just a few hours later, Chelsea called and asked him to return to London.

Nicolas Jackson during the UEFA Conference League final between Chelsea and Betis at the Wroclaw Stadium, Poland, on the evening of 28/5/2025. Photo: Reuters

Nicolas Jackson during the UEFA Conference League final between Chelsea and Betis at the Wroclaw Stadium, Poland, on the evening of 28/5/2025. Photo: Reuters

The reason for the change of heart was Liam Delap's unexpected injury in the win against Fulham. The 21-year-old striker left the pitch in the 14th minute with a hamstring injury and is expected to be sidelined for about two months. This leaves Chelsea with only Joao Pedro as a fit center-forward. "Normally, two strikers are enough," said manager Enzo Maresca after the match. "But when one is out for several weeks, we don't have enough strikers anymore."

Chelsea's decision angered Bayern's management. Sporting director Max Eberl expressed his frustration to Sky: "A deal is only complete when the contract is signed. Jackson was here, but then something happened. That's life. We will wait and see what happens next."

According to Bild, Jackson also opposed Chelsea's change of mind, as he was ready to leave England to seek more playing time. However, Bayern and Chelsea had only reached a verbal agreement and had not signed a contract. Therefore, the English club had the right to cancel the deal.

Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal in the summer of 2023 for USD 43 million, scoring 24 goals in the Premier League over two seasons. However, after Chelsea signed Delap from Ipswich Town and Joao Pedro from Brighton this summer, Jackson fell down the pecking order. He hoped to open a new chapter in his career at Bayern with the 2026 World Cup approaching.

Chelsea faces a busy schedule across 4 competitions, requiring at least two center-forwards. Maresca has experimented with Pedro Neto and 19-year-old Tyrique George up front, but realizes that relying solely on Joao Pedro for two months is not feasible. Keeping Jackson prevents Chelsea from facing a personnel crisis.

However, the situation is not easy for Chelsea to resolve. Jackson's morale has been affected after learning he was no longer a priority, and now he must return to Stamford Bridge after being given the green light to leave. The Senegalese striker may not be in the best frame of mind to play for Chelsea.

He and his agent had not yet accepted the return to London as of the evening of 30/8.

Hoang An (The Athletic, Bild)