Chelsea’s lack of options at times up front this season has been even more painful when considering Nicolas Jackson is still technically on their books.
Jackson got his move away from Stamford Bridge in the final hours of the summer transfer window, despite the fact that Chelsea considered keeping him after Liam Delap’s injury concerns.
A compromise was made and the Blues ended up recalling Marc Guiu instead from Sunderland, although there hasn’t been complete confidence that the correct decision was made regarding the Senegal international.
Finish this sentence: Enzo Maresca should start ______ on the right wing vs Arsenal
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Chelsea fans have called for Jackson to return at times throughout this season, with him not becoming a regular starter since his move to Germany.
FC Bayern München v FC St. Pauli - Bundesliga
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Nicolas Jackson’s Bayern Munich obligation now impossible
He has only featured for 45 minutes or more six times since his move, and according to Abendzeitung, he needs to do this 40 times for his £57m obligation to kick in.
There are only 35 more opportunities for this to happen, and with Senegal set to take part in the African Cup of Nations this winter, it is now essentially impossible for him to reach that number.
Jackson has struggled greatly to break into the starting side due to the brilliance of Harry Kane. The England international has 24 goals in 20 appearances this season.
Despite his lack of minutes, Bayern don’t want to send Jackson back in January, with them set for a season competing on all fronts.
Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea FC celebrates with gold medal
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Jackson still unlikely to play for Chelsea again
At this stage, it looks most likely that the striker will be back at Stamford Bridge when the 2025/26 season comes to an end.
Despite this, Jackson has no ambition to play for Chelsea again, meaning they will be back to the drawing board when it comes to finding a new club for him.
The Blues will be hoping that another top European club feels the need to bring in a new striker, and therefore turns to Chelsea in their hour of need.