Nicolas Jackson’s proposed move from Chelsea to Bayern Munich has turned into a dramatic late-window saga, with the striker refusing to return to London after the deal collapsed at the final hurdle.
The 24-year-old travelled to Germany on Saturday to finalise a season-long loan move to Bayern. The agreement would have seen the Bundesliga champions pay Chelsea around £13 million (€15m) up front, with an option to buy next summer for up to £56 million (€65–76m). Bayern prepared medical checks and contract signings, only for Chelsea to abruptly halt proceedings.
The Blues’ decision came after new signing Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury against Fulham that will keep him out for up to eight weeks. England forward Cole Palmer is also sidelined with a groin issue, while Christopher Nkunku left for AC Milan earlier in the week. With Joao Pedro the only fit striker, manager Enzo Maresca pressed the board to block Jackson’s departure.
Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl confirmed the collapse, saying: “Chelsea informed us they would like the player back after we agreed yesterday. The lad is here in Munich, but we are sending him back. We would have liked to complete the deal, but it’s not possible. There’s no signed contract.”
Jackson, however, has refused Chelsea’s order to return. He remains in Munich with his representatives, hoping to salvage the move. His agent Diomansy Kamara declared online: “We’re not going back. The plane doesn’t go backwards: Munich.”
Jackson has endured a turbulent spell at Chelsea since joining from Villarreal in 2023, with erratic finishing and repeated competition for places leaving him on the fringes. Sources suggest he had been told he was not central to Maresca’s plans following the arrivals of Delap and Pedro.
Chelsea may still revisit the situation if they secure a replacement before the deadline, with Sporting Lisbon’s Conrad Harder linked. For now, the clock is ticking: Bayern remain open, Jackson is unwilling to return, and Chelsea’s striker crisis has left the deal in limbo.
Source
