The summer window is one of utter uncertainty for Nicolas Jackson. The striker is due to return to Chelsea when his Bayern Munich loan ends, but he will have no idea where he’ll play next season.
Despite constant criticism in a Chelsea shirt, Jackson still managed to have a hand in 42 goals during 81 appearances for Chelsea. The Senegal star netted an impressive 30 times, laying on a further 12 assists.
But the criticism led to the signings of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, and that meant Jackson jumped at the chance to go on loan to Bayern Munich. Chelsea raked in £14m for his loan before the summer deadline.
Nicolas Jackson could be an option for Chelsea again next season! 👀
Nicolas Jackson, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Emanuel Emegha
Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern/Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC/George Wood/Mikolaj Barbanell/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
However, Jackson is now due to return to Chelsea, with his £56m permanent clause set to be ignored. It would automatically be permanent if Jackson played 45 minutes on 40 occasions. He’s managed eight.
Reports claim that Jackson’s representatives are now talking to trusted intermediaries over a move in the summer, with his future at Bayern over and his time at Chelsea uncertain. Liam Rosenior must act.
Liam Rosenior must act as Premier League clubs begin to circle
With Jackson set to return to Chelsea, but the striker situation at Stamford Bridge uncertain, Premier League sides are becoming interested in the race to land the African Cup of Nations winner this summer.
Man United, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle are all said to be monitoring developments on the £32m signing from Villarreal. Chelsea are also set to welcome Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg.
How Chelsea would line-up with Nicolas Jackson in their squad
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Rosenior has a decision to make, then. Chelsea will have five senior strikers come the summer with the returning Bayern loanee and Emegha. Which strikers does he keep, and which ones can he do without?
Paul Merson has made the point that Cole Palmer is a better player with Jackson up front. A player he can look up and find, rather than being joined by Joao Pedro in midfield. Rosenior has to consider Jackson.
The Chelsea gaffer has got to take a look at Jackson in pre-season at least, before he makes a decision. The Senegalese ace is unlike any of the strikers available to him and it might just suit his style best.
Cole Palmer is a better player alongside Nicolas Jackson
If Rosenior has been listening or taking advice when it comes to getting the best out of Palmer, then there are two things he should be considering. One, he must listen to Mauricio Pochettino’s advice on Palmer.
Nicolas Jackson is the key to unlocking Cole Palmer 🔑
Are you taking Jackson back?
Palmer’s best season at Chelsea in terms of numbers was his first, a total of 42 goals and assists. It came under Pochettino, alongside Jackson. The second is his ability to create with Jackson in the side.
Without Jackson, Palmer averages less than 0.10 assists per 90 minutes. With Jackson in the team, it’s more than one every three games. If Rosenior wants the best out of his best player, he needs Jackson.
If he does reintegrate Jackson, it is fair to say the African striker will struggle to start above Pedro but bringing Jackson back in does give him another option, and adds another string to Palmer’s bow.
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