Chelsea may be heading toward an unexpected transfer setback, as new reports from Germany indicate Bayern Munich are unlikely to make Nicolas Jackson’s move permanent. SportBILD claims the current feeling within the club is that the €65 million purchase clause in his loan deal will not be triggered, meaning his long-term future may fall back into Chelsea’s hands.
Jackson joined Bayern late in the summer on a loan that could turn into an obligation depending on how many minutes he played. However, the situation is now moving in a direction Chelsea didn’t foresee.
Jackson Struggling for a Regular Role at Bayern
The 23-year-old made the switch to the Allianz Arena hoping for more game time, improved confidence in front of goal, and a bigger attacking responsibility. Instead, he has been competing for minutes behind Harry Kane, who remains the undisputed starter.
Jackson has shown glimpses of potential — scoring three and assisting once — but has managed only 420 minutes in 12 appearances:
- Four Bundesliga starts from eight matches
- Only one Champions League start in four games
This reflects his current standing: Vincent Kompany views him as a useful squad option, not a key player. And without enough playing time, Bayern are under no obligation to activate the €65 million clause.
According to SportBILD, Bayern “don’t expect the clause to be triggered” and are already assessing alternative striker targets.
Bayern Turning to Other Options — Bad News for Chelsea
The strongest signal that Bayern are moving away from Jackson is their growing interest in Franculino Djú of FC Midtjylland. Sporting director Christoph Freund is reportedly a major fan of the young forward and is pushing for the club to pursue him.
This renewed focus has pushed Jackson further down Bayern’s list of long-term plans.
The reasoning is straightforward:
- Harry Kane is in top form
- Bayern prefer a younger, cheaper backup striker
- Jackson isn’t playing enough to activate the buy option
- The club don’t want to spend heavily on another bench option
Unless something significant changes — such as a major increase in minutes or an injury to Kane — Chelsea should expect Jackson to return to Cobham next summer.
What It Means for Chelsea
For Chelsea, the situation brings mixed emotions.
A permanent sale would have brought in €65 million for a player who still needs development. But Jackson coming back could add complications to the club’s ongoing attacking rebuild.
With Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer, and Mykhailo Mudryk becoming more important in the front line, Jackson’s role would once again be uncertain — just as it was before his loan.
Chelsea will soon have to consider:
- Sending him on another loan
- Selling him for a smaller fee
- Reintegration into Enzo Maresca’s squad
Jackson’s long-term future was already unclear, and Bayern’s stance only deepens the uncertainty.
Could Jackson Still Change Bayern’s View?
A turnaround is not impossible.
A surge in form after the break, more minutes, or standout displays in Champions League knockout ties could shift Bayern’s opinion. They will reassess the situation in the spring.
But at the moment, the message is clear: Bayern seem ready to move in a different direction.
And Chelsea may have to brace themselves for disappointment.
