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Ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has criticised the club’s decision to loan out Nicolas Jackson last summer.
The Senegalese international scored 30 goals and provided 12 assists across two seasons for the Blues, and Mikel thinks there is no one else like him in the current squad:
“We are missing Nicolas Jackson. What he gave us, no striker has given us. So yes, we are missing Jackson.”
Jackson is currently with Bayern Munich, although he is expected to return to Stamford Bridge in July.
Jackson may be open to staying
The Times reported back in February that the striker is “leaving his options open” in terms of his future.
Considering both Jackson and his agent fought hard to secure his switch to Bayern, it is somewhat surprising to hear that there is now a chance of a reconciliation. However, it should be pointed out that circumstances have changed in the interim.
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Could Chelsea reintegrate the forward into the first-team squad?
Jackson’s relationship with previous head coach Enzo Maresca seemingly broke down, and it was thought to be the catalyst for his departure last year.
With Maresca having subsequently left the club, there could still be a chance for a fresh start at the end of the campaign, but a lot will depend on co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Lawrence Stewart.
They may feel that a decent profit could be made by selling Jackson this summer. Bayern won’t be triggering their option to sign him for £56.2m, but other clubs may be tempted to table bids over the coming months.
Reports suggest that the 24-year-old does have plenty of suitors in Italy, Spain and in the Premier League.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here
