Nicolas Jackson appeared focus, motivated and determined as he made his first media appearance in Munich on Friday. But there was one question that quickly brought out his characteristic broad smile. Asked by a reporter at his unveiling why he’d opted to join Bayern, the Senegal international’s eyes quickly lit up as he answered, “Max Eberl and Vincent Kompany really wanted me. As a player, you want to be where you’re wanted. I’ve followed Bayern my whole life. I’m really excited and can’t wait to get going.”
There were obviously also questions on Friday about the drama surrounding his Deadline Day loan deal from Chelsea. Board member for sport Eberl explained at the press conference alongside Jackson that everything had been agreed on that weekend between the player and the clubs, up until Liam Delap got injured. Jackson was already in Munich at the time. “Jacko was then clear in saying he wanted to stay. The key was that we had a player who really wanted to join us,” Eberl explained. “It was an intense 48 hours with lots of ups and downs, but we were really focused on making it happen and found a good solution. We're really pleased Nicolas is here.”
Hamburg then Chelsea
Jackson once again emphasised that desire to want to play for Bayern – initially on a season-long loan – on Friday. “I was really confident I could stay here. It was the place I wanted to be. I’d spoken beforehand with the coach and the bosses. I’m really happy to be here and training with the team. I know a few players and can hardly wait to start playing,” the 24-year-old said. The forward got to train with his new teammates at Säbener Straße for the first time on Thursday following international duty with Senegal. His first potential appearance for the Bundesliga leaders could be at home to Hamburg on Saturday.
He might then get his first taste of a Champions League fixture four days later. And that just so happens to be against his parent club Chelsea. “Obviously I’ll be facing lots of friends. I’m excited to see them again and really want to win the game,” Jackson said ahead next Wednesday’s league phase opener at the Allianz Arena. He scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for Chelsea, most recently featuring in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup against Fluminense.
Jackson trained with his new Bayern teammates for the first time on Thursday. | © FC Bayern
Senegal to Germany, via Spain and England
Prior to his two-year stint in London, Jackson spent several seasons on the books at Villarreal in Spain, including a loan to Mirandés. He scored 12 times in 26 La Liga outings in 2022/23, prior to his switch to Chelsea. It means Bayern have brought in a player who is tried and tested in both England and Spain, despite only being 24 years of age.
Asked about differences between the various leagues, he replied: “That’s still tough to say. Maybe I’ll know better after tomorrow. I played in Spain and England, and maybe for the first time in Germany tomorrow.” One thing that Jackson has always proven at his previous clubs is that he gets the best out of what he has, always believing he’ll make it. And that belief, paired with discipline and unwavering desire, has got him to where he is today. You can find out more about Jackson in our profile piece.
Now Bayern fans will get to see that in their new No.11, although where exactly will that be on the pitch? Jackson is a versatile forward, capable of playing anywhere in attack thanks to his physique and pace. Starting out as a winger with Villarreal, he’s also played as a second striker, as part of a front two and also as a lone centre-forward, as was often the case at Chelsea. “I’m a number nine,” he said of himself, “but I can also play as a front two. I just want to help the team.”
Kompany: “Will play an important role”
„He’s a natural athlete, so won’t need long to get to 100 percent. He’s a young guy with a lot of quality, has scored goals in the Premier League. I think we’ll quickly be able to make the most of his qualities,” said Kompany in his pre-match press conference. “We’re more flexible up front with him. He’s totally compatible in terms of his profile, can play with anyone. He’ll play an important role this season.”
No matter what position or competition, Bayern’s new signing wanted to stress one thing: “I want to achieve great things with this club.”
Hear more from Jackson at his unveiling:
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