Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea, 2026/27
© IMAGO
Breaking
Unai Emery is set to reunite with his former Villarreal protégé, after all. For weeks, Aston Villa have been interested in Jackson amid the uncertain future of Ollie Watkins, who is pushing for a move to Al-Hilal.
Agreeing a transfer for Jackson was far from straightforward, and it wasn't really because of personal terms or the transfer fee. Rather, Villa have had to be mindful of UEFA's spending rules after selling Morgan Rogers to Chelsea.
With the Birmingham club only able to sign Jackson's permanently after already loaning Alejandro Garnacho, there is a risk that UEFA deems the striker to have been swapped with Rogers, which would cut into the whopping profit made on the latter.
However, it is believed that there is scope for Villa to be granted special dispensation, with UEFA's 45-day rule not the only determining factor when it comes to what does and doesn't qualify as a player trade.
Villa agree Jackson deal
According to The Athletic, an agreement has now been reached with Chelsea for the transfer of Jackson. Villa have negotiated a financial package that can rise to €76 million.
Crucially, a significant chunk of that money will only be due if certain bonuses are triggered. Villa will pay around €55m upfront for the Senegal international, with the rest up for grabs via add-ons.
Nicolas Jackson
© IMAGO - Nicolas Jackson
Contrary to what was reported earlier this week, Jackson will therefore not become Villa's club-record signing, at least not upon joining. The Villans paid €60m guaranteed for SC Freiburg sensation Johan Manzambi earlier this summer.
However, the striker could eventually become Villa's most expensive purchase if he turns out to be a successful signing. David Ornstein reports that personal terms still need to be finalised, while Ben Jacobs claims that they are already in place.
Whatever the case, this deal looks set to go ahead, with the 25-year-old set to sign a long-term contract at Villa Park. This deal, in turn, means that Watkins is likely to receive the green light to complete his switch to Al-Hilal.
Analysis