Nicolas Jackson is finally smiling again. The Senegalese forward, who endured a miserable end to his Chelsea spell, scored his first goal for Bayern Munich in Tuesday night’s emphatic 5-1 Champions League victory over Pafos—and couldn’t resist a subtle swipe at the treatment he received back in west London.
Jackson arrived at Bayern on a season-long loan after being left out in the cold by new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. Despite making 37 appearances last season, the 24-year-old returned to Cobham this summer only to find himself firmly behind Joao Pedro and Liam Delap in the pecking order. The situation spiraled further when he was excluded from Chelsea’s first three Premier League squads, spending much of his pre-season training alone.
That lonely chapter now feels worlds away. Wearing Bayern red, Jackson was introduced as a deputy to the unstoppable Harry Kane but has already featured five times for the Bundesliga champions. His first goal—a cool finish against Pafos—brought both relief and vindication. Speaking afterwards, Jackson made his feelings clear: “I hadn’t played or trained properly for two months, so it wasn’t easy. But I’m working hard every day. I feel happy here, I feel at home, and everyone welcomed me well.”
His comments, though measured, carried a sting for Chelsea. By highlighting the lack of game time and the struggles he faced under Maresca, Jackson effectively confirmed what many suspected: his Stamford Bridge exit was as much about circumstance as ability.
Bayern hold an option to make the move permanent for £56 million, triggered only if Jackson racks up 40 appearances across competitions. With Kane already boasting a staggering 17 goals in just nine games, the prospect of Jackson reaching that threshold looks slim. Bayern legend Uli Hoeness bluntly stated, “He’ll never do that.”
Yet Jackson’s agent, Ali Barat, is more optimistic, arguing that Bayern should seize the chance if the striker proves himself: “With the current market prices, £56m for a player of his potential is nothing. If he performs, they will buy him.”
For now, Jackson has what he craved most: opportunity, confidence, and a manager who values him. At Chelsea, he was cast aside. At Bayern, he has a platform to prove he belongs at Europe’s highest level.
And with that first goal, the message was clear—Nicolas Jackson’s revival has begun.
