- Bayern signed Jackson from Chelsea on season-long loan
- Transfer almost collapsed after Liam Delap’s injury
- Eberl admits it was an “intense 48 hours” of talks
Bayern unveiled Jackson as their latest signing after a dramatic end to the summer transfer window. The striker joined on a season-long loan from Chelsea for €16.5 million (£14m/$19m), with an unlikely-to-trigger €65m (£54m/$71m) purchase clause included. The move was thrown into doubt when the Blues tried to cancel the agreement followingLiam Delap’s hamstring injury, but the Bavarians pushed hard to revive negotiations. Jackson himself refused to return to London, insisting he wanted the switch to the Allianz Arena.
The transfer saga highlights Bayern’s determination to reinforce their attack as they look to reclaim the Bundesliga title and compete strongly in the Champions League, especially after missing out on key targets like Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade. For Chelsea, Jackson’s departure was balanced by the decision to terminate Marc Guiu’s loan at Sunderland to strengthen Enzo Maresca’s squad depth. For Jackson, the move represents a fresh start after slipping down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, and he now has the opportunity to prove himself at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Speaking about the saga, Bayern sporting director Eberl admitted: “It was actually all done, up until Liam Delap’s injury. Jackson was then clear in saying he wanted to stay. It was a big fight. He had other offers, even for a permanent transfer. But the key was that we had a player who really wanted to join us. It all worked out in the end, which is the most important thing.
He added: “It was an intense 48 hours with lots of ups and downs, but we were really focused on making it happen and found a good solution. We’re really pleased Nicolas is here.”
The 24-year-old is expected to make his Bundesliga debut against Hamburg this weekend. Bayern hope his integration will be smooth with Champions League fixtures just around the corner. The club will use the loan as a test run to see if the Senegalese striker fits their long-term project.