Chelsea Stuns Football World with Last-Minute Nicolas Jackson U-Turn Despite Bayern Munich Deal
Chelsea have reportedly pulled the plug on Nicolas Jackson's planned loan transfer to Bayern Munich at the last minute.
The Blues had agreed to what was termed an unprecedented loan offer from Bayern, who were willing to pay €15 million (£13 million, $17.5 million) to secure Jackson for the rest of the campaign, with Bayern also working on an option to make the transfer permanent for €65 million.
Jackson made the trip to Munich on Saturday and was extensively photographed enjoying moments with Bayern supporters as he prepared for his medical examination, but The Athletic reports Chelsea have now told the German champions that the deal will not proceed.
Key to Chelsea's reversal was an injury sustained by summer acquisition Liam Delap earlier that day. The Blues forward was forced off with a muscle problem in the opening phases of a 2–0 victory against Fulham, leaving João Pedro as the sole recognized striker available.
"Hopefully it won't be lengthy, but this type of situation could mean six, eight weeks," Maresca informed TNT Sports regarding Delap's setback immediately after the match concluded, before the English player had received any medical scans.
During his post-game media briefing, Maresca indicated Chelsea might require another forward option alongside Pedro should Delap face a prolonged absence.
"Having two strikers is sufficient, but when one suffers an injury lasting weeks it becomes inadequate," Maresca explained. "Today we played over an hour with Tyrique [George] and he performed excellently.
"The previous time he operated as a No. 9 was against Manchester United last season. We attempted various tactical approaches. If you recall, there were matches where we deployed Pedro [Neto] in that central role. However, certainly when you possess two genuine No. 9's it proves adequate."
Jackson was in Munich when Chelsea's withdrawal became public knowledge and even appeared in footage celebrating what he assumed would be his imminent switch to the Allianz Arena, but he has now been instructed to return to Stamford Bridge.
Based on reports from Florian Plettenberg, Jackson and his representative remain in Munich and are working to salvage the move.
"We'll see what develops," Bayern sporting director Max Eberl commented. "Jackson remains here. Following the game we will take action. I cannot specify exactly what's happening at this moment."
Importantly, should Jackson's loan departure collapse, Chelsea would retain one available international loan position.