Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has completed his season-long loan move to Bayern Munich after a dramatic and nerve-wracking transfer saga. The Senegalese striker admitted that the past few weeks were among the most stressful of his young career. Still, he expressed relief that the deal finally went through, allowing him to join the Bundesliga champions before the transfer deadline.
The 24-year-old forward had been pushing for the switch since early August. Chelsea agreed to the deal late in the transfer window, with Bayern Munich committing to pay around £14 million for the one-season loan. But just as the deal was about to be finalized, injuries to Liam Delap and Cole Palmer forced Chelsea to recall Jackson to London. That sudden twist left the player’s future hanging in the balance and cast doubt on whether the transfer would still happen.
Speaking after completing the move, Jackson described those few days as some of the most difficult he has experienced. “It was very tough because everything changed so quickly. One day I thought I was staying, the next day I was told to come back. I just wanted to be where I felt wanted,” he said.
Despite the uncertainty, Jackson remained confident he would end up in Germany. “I was very sure I would stay here [in Bavaria] because this is where I want to play and where I want to be,” he told reporters after arriving in Munich.
Tense negotiations and Chelsea’s forward plan
Jackson revealed that he personally stayed in close contact with his representatives and Bayern officials during the tense negotiations. The breakthrough came after fresh talks between Chelsea and Bayern, which resolved the last-minute complications. “It was very tough, but in the end we got it, so I’m very glad,” he added with a smile.
For Chelsea, Jackson’s departure means they will have to reshape their attack for the 2025/26 season. Manager Enzo Maresca has already signed João Pedro and Liam Delap to bolster the forward line, but early injuries have disrupted his plans. Delap, who was expected to play a key role, picked up a muscle injury in training, forcing Maresca to rely on a combination of Pedro and Armando Broja.
Chelsea currently sit second in the Premier League table after three matches. Their next fixture is a tricky west London derby against Brentford. Pundits, including Paul Merson, have warned that Chelsea may struggle to break down Brentford’s well-organized defence without a proven finisher in top form. Still, optimism remains high after back-to-back league wins against Fulham and West Ham.
A fresh start in Germany
For Jackson, the loan move represents a chance to hit the reset button after a challenging 2024/25 campaign at Stamford Bridge. He managed just seven goals in 31 league appearances last season, leading to criticism from fans and pundits who questioned his consistency.
At Bayern, the expectations will be high, but the environment may suit him better. The German champions are looking for extra firepower following the departures of veteran forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Mathys Tel. Jackson is expected to compete with Harry Kane for a place in Vincent Kompany’s attack, but Kompany has already indicated he sees the Senegalese striker as a versatile option who can also play wide.
Bayern’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, welcomed the signing and said the club had been monitoring Jackson for months. “He has pace, strength, and the hunger to prove himself. We believe this is a great opportunity for him to show his quality at the highest level,” Freund said.
Jackson, who has already joined team training, could make his debut when Bayern face Borussia Mönchengladbach next weekend. The striker said he is eager to repay the club’s trust. “Now that I am here, I want to focus on football, work hard, and score goals for Bayern. This is a big step for me, and I am ready,” he said.
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