Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson is on the verge of joining Bayern Munich in a record-breaking loan deal. The agreement between the two clubs will see Jackson move to the Bundesliga champions for a season-long loan, with Bayern having the option to buy him.
The financial details of the deal are significant. Bayern Munich will pay Chelsea a loan fee of £13 million (€15 million) for the season. Furthermore, the agreement includes a buy option for Bayern Munich, set at £56.2 million (€65 million). Including a sell-on clause, the entire package could potentially reach £70 million, matching Chelsea's valuation of the player. Fabrizio Romano reports the buy option is not mandatory and is set at €80m.
Jackson has already agreed to personal terms with Bayern Munich and has been granted permission by Chelsea to travel to Germany for a medical and to finalize the deal. The 24-year-old striker expressed his desire earlier in the transfer window to consider his options, especially after Chelsea bolstered their attacking options with the signings of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
Chelsea's decision to accept a loan with an option to buy, rather than an obligation, was influenced by the substantial loan fee involved. While Chelsea initially valued Jackson at around £80 million, it became apparent that potential buyers were unwilling to meet that price, and no permanent offers were made. Consequently, Chelsea made it known that they were open to loan offers, provided they included a significant loan fee and a future obligation to buy. Aston Villa also expressed interest in Jackson, but the player favored a move to Bayern Munich.
Jackson's move to Bayern Munich comes after a mixed spell at Chelsea. He joined the Blues from Villarreal in 2023 and has since made 81 appearances, scoring 30 goals and providing 12 assists. Although he is under contract at Chelsea for another eight years, Jackson fell out of favor towards the end of last season and became third choice behind new signings Joao Pedro and Liam Delap. Despite helping Chelsea win the Conference League, the Senegalese international sought a new challenge.
At Bayern Munich, Jackson is expected to compete for a place in the starting lineup with Harry Kane. His arrival provides Bayern with another option in attack as they aim to compete for honors in the Bundesliga and Champions League. Jackson is expected to make his debut for Bayern Munich after the international break.
In a related move, Chelsea have signed Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton to provide cover on the right wing and as a number ten.