Nicolas Jackson subplot simmers ahead of Bayern’s meeting with Chelsea

Ordinarily, the prospect of revisiting the scene of their historic 2012 Champions League triumph might be a source of comfort to Chelsea. The looming presence of Nicolas Jackson, the striker who left the club earlier this month to join Wednesday night’s opponents Bayern Munich on loan, promises to ensure otherwise.  

The 24-year-old Senegal international’s arrival at the Allianz Arena followed a standoff with Chelsea, who initially sanctioned a £14.3m season-long move only to recall him after Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury against Fulham. 

Jackson, who was already in Munich, had other ideas. Determined to push through the deal after summer signings Delap and João Pedro were included in Chelsea’s opening three Premier League matchday squads at his expense, the striker refused to fly back to England. Jackson belatedly got his way when a package that included a £56.2m conditional obligation to buy was agreed on transfer deadline day.

Intriguing subplot

Having sealed the move, Jackson, who scored 30 goals for Chelsea in 81 appearances, remarked pointedly that “as a player, you want to be there where people want you to be”. Rumours that he has privately messaged friends expressing determination to do well against his old club on Wednesday night have added extra edge to an already intriguing subplot.

Nor does the fascination stop there. Bayern Munich’s honorary president, Uli Hoeness, has suggested Jackson will need to rack up 40 appearances in order to trigger the obligation to buy, claiming that “there will definitely not be a permanent contract”. It has since been reported in Germany that 40 appearances of 45 minutes or more will meet the threshold required for a permanent transfer. 

However, Diomansy Kamara, who acts as a representative for Jackson, is adamant that Jackson will never return to Stamford Bridge.

‘There’s a saga around the transfer’

“Absolutely not,” Kamara told talk show Talents D’Afrique on French TV. ”The relationship with [Chelsea manager Enzo] Maresca isn’t necessarily the best.”

Kamara also poured cold water on Hoeness’s remarks, suggesting that Jackson, who was signed as cover for Harry Kane, can secure a permanent deal purely on the basis of the quality of his performances

“It’s true there’s a saga around the transfer,” said Kamara. “There was talk about how many matches Nico would need to play for an obligatory option. Nico’s objective isn’t to play 40 matches; if he scores 15 goals by December, they’re not going to say, ‘Play 40 matches.’”

‘Nicolas Jackson will be eager to get his first Bayern Munich goal’

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has declined to reveal whether Jackson will start against Chelsea, but admitted he had spoken to him about how Maresca is likely to approach the game. Kane, for one, is in no doubt about his colleague’s qualities.

“He is very strong and fast,” said Kane. “If he plays, he will be eager to impress, he will be eager to get his first Bayern goal. He’s had a great attitude and willingness to learn.”

Having seen his stock fall at Stamford Bridge following disciplinary issues in the latter stages of last season – dismissed against Newcastle in the Premier League, he subsequently received another straight red against Flamengo in the Club World Cup – Jackson will now be looking to dish out a lesson of his own.