Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson Struggle at Bayern Munich: Return Looks Likely
Nicolas Jackson’s move to Bayern Munich hasn’t gone as planned. The 23-year-old forward joined the Allianz Arena hoping for more game time, improved finishing, and a bigger attacking role. Instead, he has struggled to secure regular minutes, with Harry Kane firmly entrenched as Bayern’s first-choice striker.
Despite flashes of promise—scoring three goals and providing one assist—Jackson has only played 420 minutes across 12 appearances this season. This includes four Bundesliga starts out of eight matches and just one start in four Champions League games. While Bayern coach Vincent Kompany values Jackson, he is not considered essential. Crucially, unless Jackson meets the required number of appearances, Bayern are under no obligation to activate the €65 million purchase clause.
Reports from SportBILD indicate that Bayern currently “don’t see the trigger being hit” and are already exploring alternatives. Their interest in FC Midtjylland striker Franculino Djú, actively backed by sporting director Christoph Freund, signals that Jackson has fallen down the pecking order. The reasoning is simple: Kane is in top form, Bayern prefer a younger and cheaper backup, and Jackson isn’t playing enough to justify a high-cost permanent deal. Unless there is a sudden boost in his game time or Kane suffers a long-term injury, Chelsea should expect Jackson to return next summer.
For Chelsea, Jackson’s likely return presents a mixed scenario. While they could have secured a significant €65 million transfer fee, having him back may complicate the club’s attacking plans. With players like Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer, and Mykhailo Mudryk increasingly influential, Jackson’s role will once again be uncertain. The club’s recruitment team must decide whether to loan him out again, sell him for a lower fee, or reintegrate him into Enzo Maresca’s squad. Bayern’s stance only adds further uncertainty to Chelsea’s long-term plans for the striker.
There is still a chance for Jackson to change Bayern’s mind. A strong run of form, increased minutes, or key performances in the Champions League knockout stages could shift the club’s perspective. However, as things stand, Bayern appear ready to move on, leaving Chelsea bracing for his return.
