Transfer package exceeds €80 million
After Bayern Munich’s 2-1 victory against Stuttgart in the Franz-Beckenbauer Supercup, Harry Kane remarked, “This is one of the smallest squads I’ve played in.” He added, “There’s still time until the transfer window closes, and it will be up to [director of sport] Max [Eberl], [sporting director] Christoph [Freund], and the coach to make those decisions.” In response to Kane’s comments, Bayern’s management has finalized a deal to bring Nicolas Jackson on loan from Chelsea, with an obligation to purchase. The total package of €81.5 million will make Jackson the second most expensive signing in Bayern’s history.
Initially, an agreement was reached on Saturday for a loan with an option to buy. However, following an injury to Liam Delap during Chelsea’s match against Fulham, the club decided to cancel the deal while Jackson and his agent were already in Munich, leaving the possibility for a revised agreement. With Delap’s injury, Chelsea now has only one experienced striker, João Pedro, especially after selling Christopher Nkunku to AC Milan on the same day. Subsequently, Chelsea approached Bayern with a willingness to sell Jackson. On Monday, both clubs agreed on a revised deal: Bayern will pay an initial loan fee of €16.5 million, followed by an obligation to complete the transfer for an additional €65 million. This transaction marks the largest loan deal in Bundesliga history and the third-largest loan fee worldwide. For context, Bayern previously paid €13 million to loan Colombian star James Rodríguez for two years in 2017 and received €10 million for loaning Mathys Tel to Tottenham.
Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal in a deal worth €37 million two years ago, where he tallied 30 goals and provided 12 assists over 81 appearances in all competitions. A physically imposing forward, the Senegalese international is versatile enough to play both as a striker and on the wing. This transfer window has been tough for Bayern Munich, who missed out on signing Florian Wirtz (to Liverpool) and Nick Woltemade (to Newcastle). Bayern was also interested in Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea, but he signed with AC Milan instead. Additionally, Kingsley Coman has joined Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, and Leroy Sané has left on a free transfer to Galatasaray. After a lengthy search, Bayern has finally secured a new attacking option.
Reasons Behind Bayern Munich’s Urgency to Sign Nicolas Jackson
Why was Bayern so eager to acquire another forward? Bayern’s squad has dwindled to just 25 players, including four goalkeepers and youth prospects Lennart Karl (17), Wisdom Mike (16), and Jonah Kusi-Asare (18). Furthermore, key players like Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala are sidelined due to long-term injuries. Despite these challenges, Freund and Eberl were tasked with seeking short-term loan options, as the board aims for a significant transfer push next summer.
Finding a temporary solution has proven difficult, allowing Chelsea to leverage Bayern’s urgency for the best deal. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old Jackson could be an ideal signing for Bayern Munich. His ability to play on the wing gives head coach Vincent Kompany more tactical flexibility, and he could either partner with Kane or provide valuable rest for the England captain during what will be a demanding World Cup year.
