Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that striker Nicolas Jackson will be left out of the team for the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace. The news seals the forward’s future still uncertain. The Senegal star has been at the center of transfer rumors throughout this window. There are good indications that he could leave Stamford Bridge before the deadline.
Nicolas Jackson’s Chelsea Journey So Far:
Nicolas Jackson signed for Chelsea from Villarreal in June 2023 and was a regular starter right from the start. Over the last two seasons, he has featured in 81 games across all competitions and scored 30 goals. Only Cole Palmer, with 43 goals, has scored more for Chelsea in that time. Jackson has intermittently provided evidence of quality. His goals tally has been as much good as bad. His 30 goals are good, but his expected goals (xG) return over the same period is 36.6. That suggests that he has not always been as clinical as the club wished him to be.
However, Jackson remains a player with raw ability, pace, and physical strength. Jackson was at the top of the Premier League in the previous season with 10 goals. That made him one among only two Chelsea players to attain a minimum of 10 in all the league. Besides him, there was Palmer who scored 13.
Growing Competition in Chelsea’s Forward Line: Nicolas Jackson
Considering his work, Jackson has more competition in Stamford Bridge. During the summer break, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap signings have added more attacking players to Maresca. The two are bound to compete for initial game minutes, hence Jackson may be given limited playing time if he stays in the club. He played just three times in Chelsea’s successful Club World Cup campaign at the beginning of this year and was omitted from the pre-season friendly squads against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan. These selections had indicated that the frontman was perhaps not at the very top of Chelsea’s near-future agenda.
Especially with new arrivals bedding into the team. Maresca Opens the Door to a Departure Enzo Maresca revealed that Jackson is still training with the squad. But he won’t be considered for selection at Crystal Palace. “He is with us, but he is not going to be involved” Maresca said. Asked bluntly whether or not Jackson would be sold before the window shuts, Maresca gave a measured but telling response: “You know the situation already. The window is open, he can leave, and we will see.” The words of Italian boss indicate Chelsea are open to hearing offers for the striker but will not be rushed into any sale.
If nothing materializes, Jackson can still be integrated back into the team mid-season.
🚨👀 Nicolas Jackson, expected to leave Chelsea… and Enzo Maresca doesn’t close the doors: “During the window, anything can happen”.
“That’s also the case for Nico Jackson. We signed two strikers… let’s see”. pic.twitter.com/ax1D3a565k
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2025
Is Nicolas Jackson’s Move Imminent?
With Chelsea, it appears easy. The club is not under pressure to sell, as Jackson still has a contract until 2033. That gives them the leverage to choose what he does in the future and ensure that they only let him go for the correct price. What Happens Next If a transfer becomes a reality within the next several weeks, Chelsea will continue with their refreshed attack led by Palmer, Pedro, and Delap. For the time being, all eyes will be on the transfer window to see whether Jackson is staying at west London or looking for a new adventure elsewhere.
Author’s Insight:
There are numerous speculations regarding the Senegalese in the transfer market. The Blues’ striker is keen on a move to some other adventure. Reports say that lack of playing time made him took such a decision. There will certainly be bids for the 24-year-old. Personal terms will not be an issue. Clubs just need to agree a deal with Chelsea to take him.
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