August 31, (THEWILL) — Chelsea have blocked Nicolas Jackson’s proposed loan move to Bayern Munich after Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury during Saturday’s match at Stamford Bridge.
The club had initially granted Jackson permission to undergo a medical examination in Germany following an agreement between the two clubs, but reversed this decision when Delap was forced off after just 14 minutes.
Bayern Munich’s Director of Sport Max Eberl confirmed the sudden change in circumstances, stating that Chelsea had informed them they wanted the player back despite reaching an agreement and allowing the medical to proceed.
The German club must now send Jackson back to London, leaving their striker search incomplete with Monday’s transfer deadline approaching.
The injury to Delap, who joined from Ipswich Town for £30 million this summer, has left Chelsea with limited options up front.
Head coach Enzo Maresca acknowledged the problem, noting that while two strikers would normally suffice, an injury lasting several weeks creates insufficient depth.
Summer signing Joao Pedro would have been the only recognised senior striker available had Jackson departed.
Chelsea are now exploring permanent transfer options rather than loans, having made multiple enquiries including one for Sporting CP’s Conrad Harder.
The club views credible loan alternatives for Jackson’s position to be lacking, prompting their shift towards full-time acquisitions before the window closes.
Jackson’s future at Stamford Bridge had been uncertain throughout the summer after falling behind both Delap and Pedro in the pecking order.
The 24-year-old Senegal international was excluded from pre-season friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and Milan while the club explored potential departures, but Delap’s injury has forced Chelsea to reconsider their current striking options.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
