Transfer package exceeds €80 million
Harry Kane remarked, “This is one of the smallest squads I’ve played in,” following Bayern’s 2-1 victory over Stuttgart in the Franz-Beckenbauer Supercup. “There’s still time left until the transfer window closes, but it’s up to [director of sport] Max [Eberl], [sporting director] Christoph [Freund], and the coach to make those decisions.” The Bayern officials have responded and reached an agreement to loan Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, including a conditional purchase obligation that will activate based on playtime. The overall deal, valued at €81.5 million, would make Jackson the second-most expensive player in Bayern’s history.
Initially, both clubs had settled on a loan agreement with an option to buy on Saturday. However, after Liam Delap sustained an injury during Chelsea’s match against Fulham, Chelsea retracted the deal while Jackson and his agent were already in Munich, leaving the possibility for a renegotiated agreement. With Delap sidelined, Chelsea has only one experienced striker remaining, João Pedro, and had recently sold Christopher Nkunku to AC Milan. Subsequently, Chelsea communicated to Bayern their willingness to sell Jackson, leading to a restructured plan on Monday. Bayern will pay an upfront loan fee of €16.5 million, with an obligation to secure the deal for an additional €65 million. This marks the largest loan arrangement in Bundesliga history and the third-highest loan fee worldwide. For context, Bayern Munich loaned Colombian star James Rodríguez for €13 million in 2017, and they earned €10 million when loaning Mathys Tel to Tottenham.
Jackson was acquired by Chelsea for €37 million from Villarreal two years prior and has since netted 30 goals and provided 12 assists in 81 appearances across all competitions. A physically imposing forward, the Senegalese striker is versatile enough to play both as a central striker and on the wing. Bayern Munich has faced challenges this transfer window, missing out on Florian Wirtz (to Liverpool) and Nick Woltemade (to Newcastle). They were also interested in Christopher Nkunku, but he has now joined AC Milan. Furthermore, Kingsley Coman transferred to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, and Leroy Sané departed on a free transfer to Galatasaray. After a lengthy transfer saga, Bayern has finally secured an attacking option.
Why Bayern Munich were eager to sign Nicolas Jackson
“Nicolas was eager to join Bayern from the start, and we’re thrilled that the deal has finally materialized,” stated Eberl in a club announcement. “Despite his youth, he possesses significant experience at the international level and has demonstrated his abilities. Nicolas perfectly fits the profile we seek with his dynamism and presence. He’s hungry for success and will enhance our attacking options, making an immediate impact on our team.”
So, why the urgency for an attacker? Bayern’s squad has slimmed down to 25 players, including four goalkeepers, as well as youth players Lennart Karl (17), Wisdom Mike (16), and Jonah Kusi-Asare (18). Additionally, Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala are currently out with long-term injuries. Despite these issues, Freund and Eberl were directed to prioritize short-term loan solutions, as the board aims to reserve funds for significant transfers next summer.
The search for a temporary solution has been challenging, which explains why Chelsea capitalized on Bayern’s urgency. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old Jackson could be an ideal addition for Bayern Munich. His ability to play on the wing will provide head coach Vincent Kompany with tactical flexibility. Most importantly, Jackson can support Kane and offer him crucial rest during a year leading up to the World Cup.
