Rejected Nicolas Jackson's First Opportunity to Trouble Stamford Bridge
Attacker Nicolas Jackson played a key role in one of the summer window's most gripping transfer stories, however finally got his wish by moving to Bayern Munich on loan from Chelsea.
It did not escape every participant in the deal that the Senegalese striker would soon meet his parent club when Bayern welcome Chelsea in their opening Champions League match on Wednesday.
Those who helped seal the stop-start agreement had ample opportunity around a frantic deadline day to discuss his debut for the European powerhouse in the continent's top tournament.
Jackson was present in Germany all along as a deal was settled on Saturday morning, prior to approval to have a medical was cancelled because of a severe hamstring injury to Blues striker Liam Delap.
But the move was reinstated by Monday's deadline.
In those moments, Jackson told his agents he was looking forward to facing, and hopefully scoring against, Chelsea.
This sentiment illustrates some of the feelings as Jackson departed Stamford Bridge.
He probably to feel he has a score to settle to some of the Chelsea fans that did not wholly accept him, especially showing disapproval during previous boss Mauricio Pochettino's tenure.
Elements of the coaching staff, including head coach Enzo Maresca, also started doubting in him after two red cards against Newcastle United in the Premier League and Flamengo in the Club World Cup in the final stages of last season.
This breakdown of the bond between Jackson and Chelsea, coupled with the signing of strikers Joao Pedro and Delap, led to his exit of west London.
When introduced at Bayern, Jackson said: "It was challenging - a hard spell. Trying times in those last days. But I was highly optimistic I will stay here because this is my desired destination and choose to stay.
"The sporting director, and the coach really wanted me. It was very tough but in the end we got it, so I'm very glad.
"I have followed Bayern for years. It was a dream to join this massive club. When they reached out I was overjoyed and ready to come and play for them."
Yet, this stop-start transfer saga is only over for now, because the deal - a loan with an obligation to buy - does not appear fully secure.
Could Jackson Move to Bayern Long-Term?
Jackson signed for Bayern Munich on deadline day for a multimillion-pound loan fee - approaching a world record amount for a temporary deal - 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 commanded bigger fees.
Yet, according to numerous German media reports, the conditions to make the loan deal full are challenging to achieve.
Uli Hoeness, the former striker who is an key personality on Bayern's board, told Sky Germany during the international break: "He won't play 40 games from the start.
"We still have 32 Bundesliga games. If we reach the Champions League final, which we hope we will, that includes 13 games. The total is 45 games.
"domestic cup games are excluded. So he would have to start all these games. He will go to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, so he is unlikely to feature in 40 games."
Additional details has been given that every game of 45 minutes or more would count as a "start" for Jackson.
Hoeness also claimed that Jackson's Epic Sport agency, headed by Ali Barat, covered the extra £1.3m tacked onto the loan fee by Chelsea in the final moments before deadline, while leaving open the possibility that the Senegal striker could come back to west London next summer.
During inquiries about the arrangement at his unveiling press conference, Jackson said: "It's not my decision, my job is just to perform, make my team win and be prolific. My focus is only on pursuing big things."
Nevertheless, Chelsea are content regarding the finances involved and such a significant borrowing cost could motivate Bayern to buy Jackson next summer.
Bayern sources have also stated that, if Jackson shines and exhibits a positive attitude over the temporary spell, he will earn a lasting place in Bavaria.
Their plan is for him to both rival and enhance star striker Harry Kane.
Jackson completed his debut as a half-time substitute for the Bundesliga titleholders during their 5-0 win over Hamburg on Saturday, taking over from Serge Gnabry and joining forces with the England captain.
"I felt he looked impressive," said Kane. "During practices, he's looked quite promising. It's challenging coming into a team like us when we're so organized.
"His physique is very powerful and quick. And if he plays, he'll be determined to prove himself. But I don't want to put excessive expectations on him too soon.
"He realizes he's adapting to the team. So far he's had a excellent mindset and the desire to improve is the crucial aspect."
Jackson can play as a forward or on the left flank, so has choices in terms of position. And at Bayern, he eludes the pressure of needing to be the main goalscorer, while his closeness to the England captain can only aid his progress in the future.
"My wish is that he is prolific for us. I think he'll achieve that," said Bayern boss Vincent Kompany.
It's up to him in Jackson's court. He can either excel and stay at one of the world's top sides or follow a similar path to Jadon Sancho, who went back to Manchester United for a financial penalty as Chelsea escaped their previous £20m mandatory acquisition agreement.
What Led to It Not Work Out at Chelsea?
The club from London and Jackson's team argue the forward's time at Chelsea was a positive.
Chelsea relied on three months of brilliant displays at Villarreal and decided to trigger his £32m release clause in 2023. He had significantly increased in value over a 24-month span.
Jackson was just a elite athlete for five years - six years prior to his move to Chelsea, he was featured on sandy non-professional grounds in his Senegalese city of Ziguinchor.
Everyone knew Jackson was a unpolished gem, having played just 1,758 minutes of elite competition, but he quickly established himself as Chelsea's first-choice forward.
Naturally, given the speed of his rise, there were times when Jackson had difficulties.
According to Opta data, Jackson did not meet his expected goals 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.
Ineffective scoring drew disapproval from fans, and he is known to have struggled with that pressure. Jackson would have sequences of successful finishes but then experience long barren spells.
In response to inquiries about his exit, Maresca said: "Nico is a Bayern Munich player. I contacted him and expressed my support. He performed diligently when he was here. That is everything I can say."
Yet the striker outscored Chelsea legend Didier Drogba in his first season - scoring 14 goals to the Ivory Coast striker's 10. He then scored 21 goals in his first 50 games to tie one of Africa's top forwards at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are likely to make considerable return, whether