Transfer Market: Bayern Returns Striker to Chelsea

Bayern Munich has opted not to activate the purchase clause for striker Nicolas Jackson, meaning he will return to Chelsea at the end of the season.

The Bavarian club's sporting director, Max Eberl, confirmed that the 24-year-old Senegalese forward, who was on loan with a €65 million buy option, will not remain in Munich. Eberl made the announcement during an interview with German channel ZDF on Saturday, following Bayern's 4-3 victory over Mainz in the Bundesliga. The executive elaborated on the German champions' decision.

"We will not trigger the option for Nicolas Jackson," Max Eberl stated, adding that the 24-year-old "did not reach the required number of appearances." Jackson only managed 10 starts in the Bundesliga and three in the UEFA Champions League, largely playing in the shadow of Harry Kane.

Despite spending most of the season as a substitute, Jackson still managed to post respectable numbers for Bayern: 10 goals and 4 assists in 29 games. Yesterday, against Mainz, he was instrumental in initiating the team's comeback.

A product of Villarreal's academy, Nicolas Jackson transferred to Chelsea in 2023 for €37 million. At the London club, he scored 30 goals in 81 appearances before being loaned to Bayern last summer.