Nicolas Jackson is heading off to AFCON following a decent run of form for Bayern Munich.
Having left Stamford Bridge in the summer, Jackson has impressed at Bayern in limited minutes, deputising for one of the most in-form players in world football — Harry Kane.
His loan move to the German champions came with a conditional obligation to buy that required the Senegal striker to start 40 games.
Now approaching the halfway point in the season, that threshold will not be reached, and sporting director Max Eberl was asked what the plan is with Jackson come the end of the season.
RANK: Chelsea’s striker options
Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, Marc Guiu and Tyrique George
Pedro Neto of Chelsea FC (R) celebrates with his teammate Liam Delap (L)
Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
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Max Eberl not decided on Nicolas Jackson at Bayern
Jackson has started just six games for Vincent Kompany this season.
Eberl was recently asked by BILD whether there was thoughts of making the move permanent now that they have seen him in action over an extended period of time.
His response: “There’s no tendency yet.”
A rough German translation for ‘we haven’t been convinced’.
Between players currently at the club and those coming in the summer, Chelsea are full up in the striker department moving forward. Some Chelsea fans are open to a Jackson return, but it’s not looking likely.
Would you take Nicolas Jackson back at Chelsea?
Despite averaging a goal involvement every 90 minutes for Bayern, they’re not yet convinced by Jackson.
541 mins
5 goals
1 assist
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But from Bayern’s perspective, they could do a lot worse for a backup number nine than Jackson. What he has been showing of late is good enough to call their hesitance into question.
Jackson’s numbers at Bayern are excellent
We mentioned the limited playing time Jackson is being afforded at the Allianz Arena.
He has played just over six 90s in all competitions this season, but his output in those short stints has been impressive.
Nicolas Jackson of Bayern Munich shoots the ball
Photo by M. Donato/FC Bayern via Getty Images
Jackson has five goals and one assist in 541 minutes of play, averaging a goal involvement every 90 minutes. He still has that ability to link up play and allows Kompany to keep the same tactical approach when Kane isn’t on the pitch.
The fee attached to the obligation of more than £65 million felt massive for the Chelsea loanee. But that won’t be triggered, and it’s likely Bayern could negotiate a much lower number.
Jackson will have plenty of interest next summer, but the German side should be in the mix. He has been improving steadily in recent weeks and that should continue in the back end of the season.
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