Overlooked Jackson's First Chance to Trouble Chelsea
Striker Nicolas Jackson was at the heart of one of the summer window's most dramatic saga stories, however finally achieved his goal by signing for Bayern Munich for a season from Chelsea.
It was not lost on all parties in the deal that the 24-year-old would soon meet his parent club when Bayern host Chelsea in their opening Champions League fixture on Wednesday.
Those who helped complete the on-off-on deal had ample opportunity around a chaotic deadline day to discuss his debut for the German super club in Europe's premier competition.
Jackson stayed in Germany the whole time as a deal was concluded on Saturday morning, prior to approval to have a medical was called off because of a significant hamstring injury to Chelsea forward Liam Delap.
But the move was back on by Monday's deadline.
During that time, Jackson told his agents he was looking forward to facing, and hopefully scoring against, Chelsea.
This sentiment captures some of the emotions as Jackson left Stamford Bridge.
He probably to believe he has a score to settle to some of the Chelsea fans that were not entirely supportive of him, especially showing disapproval during previous boss Mauricio Pochettino's time in charge.
Certain decision-makers, including manager Enzo Maresca, also grew wary in him after a pair of dismissals against Newcastle United in the Premier League and Flamengo in the Club World Cup at the end of last season.
That fracturing of the connection between Jackson and Chelsea, combined with the addition of strikers Joao Pedro and Delap, led to his exit of west London.
At his unveiling at Bayern, Jackson said: "It was difficult - a hard spell. Trying times in those last days. But I was highly optimistic I will stay here because this is the club I aimed for and wish to remain.
"Max Eberl, and the coach desired my services. It was incredibly challenging but in the end we got it, so I'm very glad.
"I observed Bayern since childhood. It was a aspiration to join this massive club. When they called me I was thrilled and prepared to come and play for them."
However, this stop-start transfer saga is only over for now, because the deal - a temporary move with a requirement to buy - seems not to be ironclad.
Is Jackson Set to Join Bayern For Good?
Jackson moved to Bayern Munich on transfer cutoff day for a £14.3m loan fee - close to a world record amount for a short-term move - with a conditional obligation to buy for £56.2m.
Exclusively the borrowed deals that took Alvaro Morata from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid and then from the Spanish club to Juventus secured bigger fees.
However, according to numerous German media reports, the terms to make the loan deal permanent are difficult to meet.
Uli Hoeness, the ex-forward who is an key personality on Bayern's board, told Sky Germany during the international break: "It's improbable he'll start 40 games from the start.
"There remain 32 Bundesliga games. If we make it to the Champions League final, which we aim for, that adds 13 games. The overall is 45 games.
"The DFB Pokal games are excluded. So he would have to start every fixture. He will go to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, so he can't start 40 games."
Additional details has been given that any appearance of 45 minutes or more would qualify as a "start" for Jackson.
The executive added that Jackson's Epic Sport agency, led by Ali Barat, funded the extra £1.3m included in the loan fee by Chelsea in the final moments before deadline, while suggesting the possibility that the Senegal striker could rejoin west London next summer.
Upon questioning about the arrangement at his unveiling press conference, Jackson said: "That's beyond my control, my job is just to do my best, make my team win and be prolific. My focus is only on aiming for big things."
In any case, Chelsea are pleased with the finances involved and such a substantial temporary fee could encourage Bayern to buy Jackson next summer.
Insiders at the club have also indicated that, if Jackson excels and exhibits a good mindset over the season-long stint, he will earn a lasting place in Bavaria.
The intention is for him to both rival and complement star striker Harry Kane.
Jackson completed his debut as a second-half introduction for the reigning winners during their 5-0 win over Hamburg on Saturday, taking over from Serge Gnabry and joining forces with the England captain.
"In my view he looked energetic," said Kane. "At sessions, he's looked quite promising. It's challenging coming into a team like us when we're so well-drilled.
"His physique is very powerful and quick. And if he plays, he'll be eager to impress. But I prefer not to put undue burden on him too soon.
"He realizes he's working his way into the team. So far he's had a excellent mindset and the willingness to learn is the most important thing."
Jackson operates as a central striker or on the left side, so has alternatives in terms of position. And at Bayern, he escapes the burden of needing to be the top finisher, while his proximity to the England captain can only aid his progress in the future.
"My wish is that he finds the net frequently for us. I think he'll do so," said Bayern boss Vincent Kompany.
It's up to him in Jackson's court. He can either impress and stay at one of the world's top sides or take a comparable route to Jadon Sancho, who went back to Manchester United for a financial penalty as Chelsea escaped their previous £20m purchase requirement agreement.
What Led to It Not Work Out at Chelsea?
The Blues and Jackson's team argue the forward's time at Chelsea was a productive.
Chelsea relied on three months of outstanding performance at Villarreal and decided to activate his £32m release clause in 2023. He had significantly increased in value over a two-year period.
Jackson had merely been a professional footballer for five years - six years prior to his move to Chelsea, he was competing on sandy recreational fields in his Senegalese hometown of Ziguinchor.
All understood Jackson was a unpolished gem, having played just 1,758 minutes of first-division soccer, but he soon became as Chelsea's lead attacker.
Understandably, given the rapidity of his rise, there were occasions where Jackson found it tough.
Per Opta data, Jackson did not meet his anticipated returns by a score of -7 over the past two seasons, which is the second-poorest total in the Premier League, behind only Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Wayward shooting drew disapproval from fans, and he is known to have suffered under that pressure. Jackson would have periods of finding the net but then experience extended droughts.
In response to inquiries about his exit, Maresca said: "Nico is a Bayern Munich player. I contacted him and hoped for his success. He performed diligently when he was here. There's nothing more I can say."
However, Jackson surpassed Chelsea legend Didier Drogba in his first season - registering 14 goals to the Ivory Coast striker's 10. He then bagged 21 goals in his first 50 games to tie one of Africa's top forwards at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are likely to make significant gain, whether