Bayern Munich’s decision to bring in Nicolas Jackson on loan from Chelsea has drawn criticism, with many questioning whether the Senegalese striker has the quality to match the club’s high standards.
Jackson joined Bayern on the final day of the 2025 summer transfer window, arriving from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal. The move almost fell through when Chelsea considered recalling him to cover for the injured Liam Delap. However, the London club opted instead to bring back Marc Guiu from his loan spell at Sunderland, allowing Jackson’s move to Germany to go ahead.
Reports suggest Bayern paid €16.5 million for the loan, with an option to buy permanently for €65 million a figure that has raised eyebrows.
Former Germany international Patrick Helmes was among those questioning the logic behind the deal. Speaking to RTL, the 41-year-old said, “€16.5 million just for a loan is incredible. And then there's an additional €65 million if certain performance clauses are met.”
He continued, “All in all, that’s in the same ballpark as the Woltemade deal from Stuttgart to Newcastle. It’s a hefty price tag. Jackson is not Harry Kane.”
While Helmes acknowledged Jackson’s potential, he remained unconvinced: “Sure, he’s shown flashes of quality in the Premier League. But in my view, he’s just a backup for Kane nothing more, nothing less.”
During his time at Chelsea, Jackson scored 30 goals and provided 12 assists in 81 appearances. He also helped the club win the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
