Paul Merson has criticised Chelsea’s decision to let Nicolas Jackson leave the club, arguing that Enzo Maresca should have kept the forward at Stamford Bridge.
Jackson sealed a surprise Deadline Day loan move to Bayern Munich after slipping down the pecking order following Chelsea’s signings of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
The 24-year-old striker was originally set to stay once Delap suffered a hamstring injury, but Chelsea eventually pushed through the deal, with Bayern paying around £14m for the season-long loan.
Merson believes Chelsea, who are already battling injuries up front, should not have sanctioned the move.
“The Nicolas Jackson situation at Chelsea was very interesting,” Merson told Sportskeeda. “If I were Chelsea, I would have kept him. I don’t think he’s a bad player.”
Which Premier League Club Should’ve Signed Jackson?
While criticising Chelsea’s handling of the transfer, Merson also highlighted Newcastle United as the Premier League club that should have targeted Jackson.
“I’m surprised Newcastle didn’t sign Jackson,” he said. “He fits the bill more than Nick Woltemade in the sense that he can be direct and make good runs like Alexander Isak.”
Instead of pursuing Jackson, Newcastle turned to German striker Nick Woltemade, who arrived from Stuttgart after scoring 12 Bundesliga goals last season.
The Magpies had previously explored moves for Jackson and Benjamin Sesko but opted to secure Woltemade’s signature for £69 million before the deadline.
Chelsea Face Brentford Without Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea now move forward without Jackson as they prepare for a tricky west London derby against Brentford.
Maresca’s side sit second in the Premier League table after back-to-back wins over Fulham and West Ham United, but Merson expects them to struggle against Keith Andrews’ team.
“Brentford away is never an easy place to go,” Merson warned. “Chelsea will need to be patient, but I don’t think they’ll create many chances. I still think they can hold on to a nervy 1-0 win though.”
With Champions League fixtures also on the horizon, Jackson’s absence could be felt even more if Chelsea’s attacking depth continues to be stretched.
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