🔗 Share this article

Striker Nicolas Jackson was at the heart of among the summer window's most dramatic transfer stories, yet eventually secured his desire by joining Bayern Munich on loan from Chelsea.

It was clear to every participant in the deal that the young forward would shortly encounter his former team when Bayern face Chelsea in their first Champions League match on Wednesday.

Parties facilitating seal the stop-start agreement had plenty of time around a hectic deadline day to talk about his debut for the Bavarian giants in Europe's premier competition.

Jackson was present in Germany all along as a deal was settled on Saturday morning, prior to approval to have a medical was revoked because of a serious hamstring injury to Chelsea forward Liam Delap.

Yet the deal was revived by Monday's deadline.

In those moments, Jackson told his agents he was eager to facing, and potentially scoring against, Chelsea.

This sentiment sums up some of the feelings as Jackson departed Stamford Bridge.

He probably to think he has a point to prove to some of the Chelsea fans that did not wholly accept him, especially jeering him during ex-coach Mauricio Pochettino's time in charge.

Certain decision-makers, including gaffer Enzo Maresca, also began to lose trust in him after double sendings-off against Newcastle United in the Premier League and Flamengo in the Club World Cup at the end of last season.

That fracturing of the relationship between Jackson and Chelsea, combined with the signing of strikers Joao Pedro and Delap, facilitated his departure of west London.

When introduced at Bayern, Jackson said: "It was challenging - a tough time. Challenging instances in those last days. But I was highly optimistic I will stay here because this is my desired destination and choose to stay.

"Bayern's chief, and the coach really wanted me. It was extremely hard but in the end we got it, so I'm quite pleased.

"I observed Bayern since childhood. It was a aspiration to join this huge team. When they called me I was excited and prepared to come and play for them."

However, this on-off-on transfer saga is only over for now, because the deal - a temporary move with a requirement to buy - does not appear watertight.

Is Jackson Set to Join Bayern Permanently?

Jackson signed for Bayern Munich on the final day for a multimillion-pound loan fee - approaching a historic high amount for a short-term move - with a contingent commitment to buy for £56.2m.

Solely the temporary transfers that took Alvaro Morata from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid and then from the Spanish club to Juventus commanded bigger fees.

But, according to widespread German media reports, the terms to make the loan deal long-lasting are hard to fulfill.

Uli Hoeness, the one-time attacker who is an key personality on Bayern's board, told Sky Germany during the international break: "He is unlikely to feature 40 games from the start.

"We still have 32 Bundesliga games. If we make it to the Champions League final, which we aspire to, that adds 13 games. The total is 45 games.

"German Cup games aren't factored in. So he would have to start all these games. He will go to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, so he is unlikely to feature in 40 games."

Additional details has been given that every game of 45 minutes or more would be considered a "start" for Jackson.

Hoeness also claimed that Jackson's Epic Sport agency, managed by Ali Barat, funded the extra £1.3m tacked onto the loan fee by Chelsea in the two days before deadline, while hinting at the possibility that the Senegal striker could rejoin west London next summer.

Upon questioning about the arrangement at his unveiling press conference, Jackson said: "I don't determine that, my job is just to play on the pitch, make my team win and score as many goals. My focus is only on aiming for big things."

Nevertheless, Chelsea are content regarding the finances involved and such a substantial temporary fee could incentivise Bayern to buy Jackson next summer.

Representatives from Bavaria have also suggested that, if Jackson shines and displays a constructive approach over the season-long stint, he will secure a long-term future in Bavaria.

The intention is for him to both compete with and support star striker Harry Kane.

Jackson had his debut as a interval replacement for the Bundesliga titleholders during their 5-0 win over Hamburg on Saturday, replacing Serge Gnabry and playing alongside the England captain.

"In my view he looked sharp," said Kane. "In training, he's looked really good. It's challenging coming into a team like us when we're so disciplined.

"His physique is very robust and speedy. And if he plays, he'll be eager to impress. But I prefer not to put too much pressure on him too soon.

"He realizes he's integrating into the team. So far he's had a great attitude and the willingness to learn is the crucial aspect."

Jackson operates as a forward or on the left flank, so has choices in terms of position. And at Bayern, he avoids the burden of needing to be the main goalscorer, while his closeness to the England captain can only aid his progress in the future.

"What I hope is that he finds the net frequently for us. I think he'll do so," said Bayern boss Vincent Kompany.

It's up to him in Jackson's court. He can either excel and stay at one of the world's largest teams or emulate the experience to Jadon Sancho, who rejoined Manchester United for a financial penalty as Chelsea got out of their previous £20m purchase requirement agreement.

Why Didn't It Work Out at Chelsea?

The club from London and Jackson's entourage contend the forward's time at Chelsea was a positive.

Chelsea relied on three months of exceptional form at Villarreal and decided to exercise his £32m release clause in 2023. He had significantly increased in value over a two-year period.

Jackson had only been a professional footballer for five years - six years before his move to Chelsea, he was featured on sandy non-professional grounds in his Senegalese city of Ziguinchor.

It was clear Jackson was a raw talent, having played just 1,758 minutes of elite competition, but he soon became as Chelsea's first-choice forward.

Expectedly, given the pace of his rise, there were occasions where Jackson had difficulties.

Per Opta data, Jackson did not meet his expected goals by a score of -7 over the past two seasons, which is the second-worst total in the Premier League, behind only Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Wayward shooting drew disapproval from fans, and he is known to have struggled with that pressure. Jackson would have sequences of successful finishes but then experience long barren spells.

In response to inquiries about his exit, Maresca said: "Nico is a Bayern Munich player. I contacted him and wished him all the best. He performed diligently when he was here. That is everything I can say."

However, Jackson scored more than Chelsea legend Didier Drogba in his first season - registering 14 goals to the Ivory Coast striker's 10. He then bagged 21 goals in his first 50 games to match one of Africa's elite attackers at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are likely to make considerable return, whether