Nicolas Jackson’s turbulent summer ended with a fresh start at Bayern Munich, but the Senegalese striker will face a quick reunion with his parent club Chelsea when the Champions League group stage kicks off on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old forward sealed a dramatic loan move to the German champions on deadline day, in a deal that swung between collapse and revival before finally being completed. Bayern paid a remarkable £14.3m loan fee—one of the highest ever for a temporary deal—with a conditional obligation to buy for £56.2m.
That agreement, however, is not straightforward. Former Bayern striker and current board member Uli Hoeness has publicly cast doubt on whether Jackson will meet the conditions required for the deal to become permanent. He would need to start at least 40 matches this season, with any appearance of 45 minutes or more classed as a “start.” Given Bayern’s depth, Harry Kane’s status as first-choice striker, and Jackson’s expected absence for the Africa Cup of Nations in January, such a target looks ambitious.
Despite the uncertainty, Bayern sources suggest that if Jackson impresses with his performances and attitude, a permanent transfer remains likely. The club see him as a versatile attacking option, capable of playing either as a central striker or wide on the left, offering support and competition for Kane.
A Rocky Chelsea Exit
Jackson’s Chelsea career was always volatile. Signed from Villarreal in 2023 after a short but dazzling run of form, the Blues triggered his £32m release clause, banking on his raw potential. He responded with 14 goals in his debut season, outscoring Didier Drogba’s first-year tally at Stamford Bridge. By the time he left, he had 21 goals in 50 appearances, equalling the early strike rate of the Ivorian legend.
Yet it wasn’t enough to convince fans or management. Jackson’s finishing inconsistencies, underlined by Opta data showing an underperformance of -7 expected goals across two seasons, made him a target of frustration. He endured booing from supporters during Mauricio Pochettino’s reign and fell out of favour with current manager Enzo Maresca after costly red cards against Newcastle United and Flamengo.
The arrival of new strikers João Pedro and Liam Delap pushed him further down the pecking order. When Delap’s hamstring injury briefly halted Bayern’s pursuit, Jackson’s move hung in the balance. But by deadline day, the deal was revived, and Jackson had his escape route.
Speaking at his unveiling in Munich, Jackson admitted it had been a “tough time” at Chelsea but stressed his delight at joining one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs. “Max [Eberl, Bayern sporting director] and the coach really wanted me. It was very tough but in the end we got it, so I’m very glad. I’ve watched Bayern all my life. It was a dream to join this massive club,” he said.
Jackson’s Early signs in Munich
Jackson made his Bayern debut in Saturday’s 5-0 Bundesliga win over Hamburg, coming on as a substitute and lining up alongside Kane. The England captain praised his new teammate, saying: “He looked sharp in training and in the match. Physically he’s very strong and fast. He has the right attitude and willingness to learn.”
Bayern boss Vincent Kompany echoed those sentiments: “My wish is that he scores a lot of goals for us. I think he’ll achieve that.”
For Jackson, Bayern offers both freedom and a new challenge. Unlike at Chelsea, where he carried the burden of being the main goalscorer, he now has the chance to develop without constant pressure. His flexibility across the forward line could also make him invaluable in Kompany’s system.
Proving a point
Wednesday’s clash against Chelsea will carry extra weight. Jackson reportedly told advisors before the move was completed that he was eager to face his old club and “hopefully score against them.”
For a player whose relationship with Stamford Bridge soured, the chance to make an immediate mark against Chelsea feels symbolic. Whether he ultimately secures a long-term future at Bayern or returns to west London next summer, Jackson’s path is once again filled with both uncertainty and opportunity.
What is clear, though, is that his story with Chelsea isn’t finished just yet.
