Nicolas Jackson was on the verge of joining Bayern Munich on loan before Chelsea pulled the plug on the deal following an injury to Liam Delap in the win over Crystal Palace
Samuel Meade Sports Brand Writer and Andy Gilpin Deputy Editor in Chief
21:30, 30 Aug 2025
Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea during a Premier League match last season
Nicolas Jackson has been left seething after his loan switch to Bayern Munich dramatically collapsed at the eleventh hour, and is now desperately trying to salvage the transfer - despite Chelsea insisting he returns.
The Blues striker had been given the green light to depart Stamford Bridge after slipping down the hierarchy. Although several Premier League sides showed interest, it was ultimately agreed he would join the Bavarian powerhouses.
But an injury to summer acquisition Liam Delap during Saturday's lunchtime fixture has prompted Chelsea to perform a dramatic U-turn on their decision to allow Jackson's departure, even though the Senegal international had already flown to Munich to complete the transfer.
Jackson is livid about the eleventh-hour alterations and efforts are being made to determine whether the Bayern switch can still materialise. His representatives are working tirelessly to revive the deal after Chelsea had accepted a record loan fee of £13m from Bayern for Jackson, including an option to secure the 24-year-old permanently next summer for £56.2m.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl spoke about the situation before their encounter with Augsburg, acknowledging that late developments remained possible: "Transfers are only finalised once the signatures are in place. He [Jackson] is there, and then we'll see. We'll take a closer look at it after the game and act accordingly.", reports the Mirror.
Liam Delap of Chelsea receives medical treatment during the win over Fulham
Liam Delap of Chelsea receives medical treatment during the win over Fulham
"It's easy to understand: You negotiate, you reach an agreement, then comes the medical check, and extraordinary things still happen. I can't say what's going on now."
Nevertheless, Chelsea are demanding he returns to London and rejoins their first-team squad following Delap's injury.
Chelsea brought in Delap and Joao Pedro, who has made an impressive start to life in west London. The Blues had been prepared to support the duo as their striking options for the campaign after witnessing Christopher Nkunku's move to AC Milan and sanctioning Jackson's transfer to the German club.
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Now Jackson is being recalled, despite Maresca publicly stating to the Senegalese forward that departure would be in his best interests.
"It's better for Nico if what he desires is going to happen," the Italian declared earlier this month. "He is available, but he's not going to be part of the squad because we have two players in that position - and we know that something can happen before the transfer window closes.
"The player is open to leave. If he finds a good solution, he's going to leave."