Nicolas Jackson is relishing the opportunity to face Chelsea when Bayern Munich host the Blues in 11 days’ time in the Champions League.
Chelsea will travel to the Allianz Arena for their European opener, with Jackson, who completed a season-long loan move to Bayern on deadline day, set to appear for the German champions. The Blues pocketed £14.2million for Jackson’s services, with there also being a £56.2million obligation for Bayern to buy the 24-year-old at the end of his loan spell – if certain conditions are met.
As per UEFA rules, Jackson is eligible to take on Chelsea despite still being contracted to the west London club. The Senegal international is excited for that opportunity, with his latest comments almost feeling like he has a point to prove to Enzo Maresca.
“This is football, it will be exciting,” Jackson said in an interview, as per Italian publication Tuttosport. “But once kick-off is blown, I’ll give everything for my Bayern. It’s also a great opportunity to show who I am and how much I’ve grown.”
He added: “I was very happy to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the world. At the same time, I was a little sad to leave Chelsea, teammates and fans. I experienced many strong emotions there: we won the Conference League and the Club World Cup.”
Jackson informed Chelsea at the beginning of August that he wished to explore his options and potentially leave the club. Liam Delap was signed for £30million back in June to add competition and provide support for Jackson, and Joao Pedro arrived not long after for a total package of £60million.
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As reported by football.london back in July, Chelsea’s initial plan was to go into the new season with three striker options. Two out-and-out No.9s, so to speak, in Jackson and Delap, with one versatile attacker in Joao Pedro. However, sources refused to describe Jackson as untouchable.
When Jackson made his intentions clear the following month, Chelsea were willing to sanction an exit for the Senegalese striker. Bayern came in for Jackson but preferred a loan move, while Chelsea would always have favoured a permanent solution. A compromise was made with the German side willing to include a hefty obligation fee.
Chelsea will of course be hoping Jackson is not able to have too much of an impact when the two sides go head-to-head, but it remains to be seen what role the forward will have under Vincent Kompany. Harry Kane will assumedly remain the first choice No.9 in Munich given his extraordinary record since moving to Germany.
Jackson, though, can also be deployed on the left wing. Luis Diaz has just arrived at the Allianz from Liverpool, so there is immense competition in that role as well. Jackson’s versatility, though, means there should be plenty of minutes for him throughout the campaign.
