REVEALED: Why Nicolas Jackson Is Ready to Quit Chelsea Despite a Nine-Year Contract Extension
Just months after committing his future with a nine-year deal, Nicolas Jackson is now eager to leave Chelsea as new signings push him down the pecking order. Here's why the striker is ready to move on.
Nicolas Jackson’s time at Chelsea appears to be coming to an unexpected and swift end, just months after the striker committed his long-term future to the club. In September last year, the 24-year-old signed a remarkable nine-year contract extension with the Blues, a deal that seemed to cement his place at Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable future. Yet now, Jackson has told new Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca that he is ready to leave, signaling a sharp change in his situation and ambitions.
The Senegal international’s fall from favour has been sudden and stark. Chelsea spent around £32 million to bring Jackson from Villarreal in 2023, expecting him to play a major role in the squad’s attack. However, the arrival of new signings Joao Pedro and Liam Delap this summer has pushed Jackson down the pecking order. As a result, his opportunities to play regularly have diminished, leaving the player frustrated and eager for a fresh start.
Chelsea’s initial valuation for Jackson was set at an eye-watering £80 million, reflecting their belief in his potential and value. But with the striker now training alone and left out of the squad for their recent Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen, it’s clear that the club may have to reconsider that asking price. The urgency surrounding his departure hints that the Blues will need to be more flexible if they are to find a buyer this summer.
Interest in Jackson remains strong, with a number of top clubs across Europe reportedly keen to secure his services. Bayern Munich are among the frontrunners, which would present an intriguing challenge for Jackson as he would be competing for a spot alongside the prolific Harry Kane. Newcastle United are also very interested, having missed out on other forward targets this transfer window and looking to strengthen their attacking options. Several Italian clubs have also expressed interest, adding further options for the forward.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, who had been linked with Jackson earlier, appear to have cooled their pursuit after securing the signing of Benjamin Sesko. This development has left Chelsea with fewer suitors from the Premier League, focusing the striker’s potential exit to clubs overseas.
Jackson’s desire to leave is understandable given his dwindling game time and the fierce competition for places at Chelsea. For a player who has shown promising talent and goal-scoring ability, the prospect of sitting on the sidelines must be frustrating. Moving to a club where he can play regularly and continue developing his career is a natural next step.
Chelsea now face a tricky balancing act. They want to recoup a significant fee for a player they invested heavily in just last year, but must also acknowledge Jackson’s clear wish to move on. How they manage this transfer saga will be crucial, especially as they aim to strengthen their squad for a competitive Premier League season.
