Nicolas Jackson’s future at Chelsea is hanging in the balance after two seasons at Stamford Bridge. With 81 appearances, 30 goals, and 12 assists under his belt, the club may be tempted to cash in on the Senegalese striker.
Signed as a raw talent transitioning from the left wing, Jackson’s time at Chelsea has been a mixed bag, marked by moments of brilliance interspersed with frustrating inconsistencies. His disciplinary record, including 18 yellow cards and two red cards, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
The two dismissals, particularly, have left a lasting impression. One occurred during a crucial match against Newcastle United in the race for a top-five finish, and the other in sweltering conditions against Flamengo at the Club World Cup. These incidents have led some to question his temperament and suitability for the highest level.
While Jackson possesses undeniable skill, many feel he lacks the clinical edge that defines an elite striker. At 24, his senior career is still relatively young, but his tendency to miss clear-cut chances often overshadows his positive contributions.
However, it’s important to acknowledge his strengths. His assist for Pedro Neto’s goal in the Club World Cup showcased a rare ability for a centre-forward. Jackson dropped deep, drew a defender, and then executed a clever turn under pressure, creating an overload and setting up Neto for the finish. These are the moments that highlight his potential. He excels at trapping the ball, evading pressure, and initiating attacks.
Despite these flashes of brilliance, Jackson’s weaknesses are apparent. His shooting can be erratic, his left foot unreliable, and his movement against deep-lying defences has not improved sufficiently. He also lacks a commanding presence in the air.
Chelsea invested £30 million in Jackson, and despite his flaws, he has delivered a reasonable return. In 75 league games (59 starts), he has scored 24 goals and provided 10 assists, averaging a goal every 0.41 games and a combined contribution of 0.61 per 90 minutes. These are respectable figures, especially considering he has often played without adequate support or competition.
He has proven capable of scoring 12-15 league goals per season, along with a handful of assists, provided he gets significant playing time (upwards of 2,500 minutes). His output is comparable to players like Kai Havertz, Liam Delap, and Joao Pedro, as well as versatile attackers such as Cole Palmer and Jarrod Bowen, and he achieves this without relying on penalties.
According to CIES Football Observatory, these metrics give him a valuation of £75.3 million. If Chelsea could secure a fee of that magnitude before the end of the summer transfer window, they would likely consider it.
With Delap and Pedro now in the squad, Chelsea believe they have sufficient firepower to compete effectively, even with a shortened pre-season and the added demands of Champions League football. Delap and Pedro offer relentless running and the ability to stretch opposing defences.
Adding Jackson to this mix could be seen as either valuable depth or an unnecessary surplus. Having only two recognised strikers (plus Neto, if needed, or the academy prospect Shumaira Mheuka) leaves little room for error in case of injuries.
Even if Chelsea decide to sell Jackson, they are unlikely to pursue a direct replacement at this stage. With Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons reportedly being prioritised, and the manager publicly requesting a new centre-back, a significant shift in focus would be required.
The crucial question is whether now is the right time to sell Jackson. He showed promise of developing into a world-class striker at times, but his form in 2025 has been disappointing, and he has fallen down the pecking order. The positive memories of his performances before Christmas 2024 have been overshadowed by red cards and missed opportunities. The negative aspects of his game have increasingly defined his image.
Other players with limited Premier League experience, such as Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, have moved for substantial fees this summer, setting a precedent for Jackson’s potential valuation.
Chelsea could make a significant profit on a player they signed two years ago, especially with potential replacements already within the squad. However, if he stays, Jackson would remain a valuable asset across all competitions. There is no guarantee that his value will remain at its current level. His contract, which was extended a year ago, should keep him among the top-valued strikers, but finding a club willing and able to meet his price tag is not assured.
Newcastle United are a potential destination, particularly if they sell Alexander Isak. Jackson is a similar player, already based in England, and immediately available. However, Manchester United’s acquisition of Sesko makes a move to Old Trafford less likely. While Garnacho has been linked with Chelsea, Ruben Amorim does not appear to be seeking another No.9.
Bayern Munich and AC Milan have also been mentioned as possible suitors. However, deals of this size involving clubs outside of England are becoming increasingly rare, raising the possibility that Jackson might remain at Chelsea.
He will miss the first match of the season due to suspension. Chelsea recognise that this might be their best opportunity to sell him for a price that could decrease over time.