Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has reportedly chosen to remain in Germany following the sudden collapse of his proposed loan transfer to Bayern Munich, with the situation leaving the 24-year-old frustrated and uncertain about his immediate future.
Jackson had traveled to Munich on Saturday, expecting to finalize a season-long switch to the Bundesliga champions. However, the deal was abruptly called off at the last minute after Chelsea pulled the plug due to mounting injury concerns within their squad.
The decision came in the wake of a growing striker crisis at Stamford Bridge. Liam Delap, who recently arrived from Ipswich, was ruled out for up to eight weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in the victory over Fulham. England international Cole Palmer is also sidelined with a groin problem. To compound matters, Christopher Nkunku completed a transfer to AC Milan earlier in the week, leaving Joao Pedro as the club’s only fully fit senior striker.
Following Bayern’s 3-2 win over Augsburg on Saturday, sporting director Max Eberl confirmed that the arrangement had collapsed despite being agreed the previous day.
“Chelsea informed us that they would like the player back after we agreed yesterday,” Eberl explained. “The situation now is that the lad is here in Munich, but we are sending him back.”
Despite those remarks, Jackson has reportedly been reluctant to return to London. Angry at Chelsea’s late U-turn, he has opted to remain in Munich while his representatives attempt to salvage the deal. His agent, Diomansy Kamara, reinforced this stance with a social media post declaring, “We’re not going back. The plane doesn’t go backwards: Munich.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea are believed to be exploring a potential move for Sporting Lisbon forward Conrad Harder ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline. Should they secure attacking reinforcements, it could reopen the door for Jackson’s move to Bayern, though the London club now favors a permanent transfer over a loan agreement.
Earlier on Saturday, terms had reportedly been settled for an initial £13 million (€15 million) loan fee, with Bayern holding an option to make the deal permanent for £52 million. Jackson, however, was informed that he was not part of manager Enzo Maresca’s long-term plans, particularly following the arrivals of Delap and Joao Pedro.
Since joining Chelsea from Villarreal two years ago, Jackson’s stint in England has been turbulent. While regarded for his energy and physical presence, his inconsistency in front of goal has often drawn criticism and prevented him from cementing himself as a reliable forward for the Blues.
What you should know
Nicolas Jackson’s loan switch to Bayern Munich collapsed due to Chelsea’s injury crisis, leaving him frustrated and still in Munich as his representatives push for a resolution.
The striker, who has struggled to settle at Stamford Bridge, could yet complete a permanent move away if Chelsea secure another forward before the deadline.
