Nicolas Jackson’s Move to Bayern Munich Collapses as Chelsea Recall Striker

Nicolas Jackson’s expected loan from Chelsea to Bayern Munich has fallen through at the last moment. Chelsea canceled the transfer, so the striker is headed back to London.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Jackson traveled to Munich for his loan move to Bayern. Both clubs agreed on a deal for a €15 million loan fee and an option to buy for up to €80 million, as reported by various sources. The transfer was almost finished, and Jackson even started his medical tests in Germany. But then Chelsea changed their mind. Liam Delap, a new signing from Ipswich, injured his hamstring in a game against Fulham. With Delap out, Chelsea had only Joao Pedro as a recognized striker. Because of this, they brought Jackson back and stopped talks with Bayern. Chelsea told Jackson and his team to return to London right away, leaving Bayern without their planned striker for the new season.

CHELSEA AND BAYERN: SEASON CONTEXT

Chelsea started the Premier League season with big hopes after signing Joao Pedro and Liam Delap. Delap’s injury caused a problem in their attack just days before the transfer window closed. Last season, Jackson scored 13 goals in 37 games, making him an important asset in Chelsea’s Conference League-winning team. Bayern began their Bundesliga season aiming to win the title again after winning it last season, 13 points ahead of Bayer Leverkusen last season. They started the new Bundesliga season by beating RB Leipzig 6-0 at the Allianz Arena and Augsburg by 3-2, and they are now top of the tabke, with the same points as Eintracht Frankfurt but ahead in goal difference. Not having a new striker could be an issue as Bayern prepare for their next Bundesliga match against mid-table Hamburger SV, who have been tough against top teams.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BOTH CLUBS?

Chelsea now have to find a solution for their striker problem before the transfer window closes. Coach Enzo Maresca will probably keep Jackson in the squad until Delap returns from injury. Bayern are left to search for other market options, though they are short on time. Their next game against Hamburg will test their attack. Meanwhile, Chelsea will play Brentford, as they are top of the table, waiting for Liverpool and Arsenal to play each other today. Both clubs’ plans for the rest of the season may depend on late transfer moves in the final days of the window.