Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has questioned Chelsea’s decision to allow striker Nicolas Jackson to leave the club during the summer transfer window.
Jackson joined Bayern Munich on an initial loan deal that includes a mandatory obligation to buy if he reaches a set number of appearances. The 24-year-old has already opened his account for Bayern, scoring in their 5–1 Champions League win over Pafos.
The Senegalese forward had scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Villarreal in 2023 for £32 million. Despite mixed performances, Scholes believes Chelsea were too hasty to part ways with him.
“These attacking midfielders like Cole Palmer need pace in front of them,” Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast. “Jackson may not be the best finisher, but his movement helps stretch defenses and creates space for others.”
Scholes added that even though Jackson was not always clinical, his presence made Chelsea more dangerous in transition.
Paul Merson Labels the Move a “Bad Loan”
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson also criticized Chelsea’s decision, calling the transfer a mistake.
“I think Nicolas Jackson was a bad sale,” Merson said. “He and Palmer complemented each other perfectly. Jackson’s pace allowed Palmer and Enzo Fernandez more time on the ball. Without him, the attack feels static.”
Merson explained that João Pedro, who has been playing in Jackson’s place, operates more as a deep-lying forward, which limits Chelsea’s ability to stretch opposing defenses.
Chelsea’s Mixed Form Since Jackson’s Exit
Chelsea lost to Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener and then suffered consecutive Premier League defeats. However, they bounced back with victories against Benfica and Liverpool before the international break.
Assistant manager Willy Caballero praised the team’s resilience after their injury-time winner over Liverpool, describing the result as “a confidence boost” for the squad.
“It’s special to win late,” Caballero said. “It gives us energy and belief. We have a great connection between players and fans, and we’ll use that to keep improving.”
Despite Jackson’s move, Bayern president Uli Hoeness hinted that the striker could return to Stamford Bridge next summer, suggesting he might not play enough matches to trigger the permanent deal.
