Nicolas Jackson says transfer to Bayern 'tough' after loan almost collapsed amid Chelsea injury crisis

Nicolas Jackson described the final days of the summer transfer window as "tough" after a deadline-day loan move from Chelsea to Bayern Munich nearly collapsed amid an injury crisis at Stamford Bridge.

The 24-year-old was unveiled by Bayern on Friday after the Bundesliga club secured the striker on a season-long loan believed to be worth around £14 million. Jackson, who fell down the pecking order under Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, said the situation in the closing stages of the window was difficult to process but expressed relief that the transfer was completed.

Chelsea had sanctioned Jackson's move to Bayern during the final week of the transfer window, but the deal was put in jeopardy after injuries to new signing Liam Delap and Cole Palmer prompted the club to momentarily attempt to halt the loan and order Jackson to return to London. Following fresh negotiations between the clubs, Bayern and Chelsea reached an agreement that allowed Jackson to join the German champions for the season.

"It was tough, a tough time," Jackson said. "Difficult moments in those last days. But I was very confident I will stay here because this is where I want to play and want to be. It was very tough but in the end we got it, so I'm very glad."

Jackson spent much of 2024-25 struggling for consistent form and minutes, which coincided with Chelsea strengthening their forward options earlier in the window with signings including Joao Pedro and Liam Delap. The forward will now join Bayern's attacking ranks as they seek to maintain their domestic and European ambitions.

Not all observers agreed with Chelsea's decision to allow Jackson to leave. Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson, a Chelsea fan, told Sportskeeda he was surprised by the sale and questioned the club's choices amid their squad adjustments. "If I were Chelsea, I would have kept him. I don’t think he’s a bad player," Merson said, adding that Jackson's direct style could have suited several Premier League teams.

Merson also noted Newcastle United's activity in the market, where they completed the signing of Niclas Füllkrug replacement style target Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart instead of pursuing Jackson. Woltemade arrives at St James' Park off the back of a 12-goal season in the Bundesliga and could make his Newcastle debut in their Premier League fixture against Wolves.

Chelsea travel to Brentford on Saturday for a west London derby, with Maresca's side sitting second in the Premier League after three games, behind Liverpool. The Blues head into the fixture following victories over Fulham and West Ham United, and pundits have offered differing views on how they will cope away from home without Jackson available.

Jackson's loan to Bayern represents the latest high-profile piece of transfer-window business between Premier League and Bundesliga clubs and closes a turbulent chapter for the striker that began with limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge. He will now be eligible to feature for Bayern as they continue their season in Germany and Europe, while Chelsea and other Premier League sides adjust to the departures and arrivals that shaped their squads during the window.