The transfer window is a breeding ground for drama, but the final 24 hours of Nicolas Jackson's move to Bayern Munich has delivered one of the most chaotic and extraordinary sagas in recent memory.
A deal that was on, then off, then on again has finally been completed, with a frustrated Jackson now a Bayern player after a dramatic standoff with his parent club, Chelsea.
The Loan is Agreed, Jackson Flies to Munich
The saga began yesterday when Chelsea agreed a deal with Bayern for a season-long loan, with an option to buy, for the Senegalese striker.
Jackson, who had fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, flew to Munich to complete his medical.
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The U-turn and Jackson's Defiance
A spanner was then thrown in the works just hours later.
In a match against Fulham, Chelsea's new striker Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury that ruled him out for up to eight weeks.
In a state of panic, Chelsea's hierarchy, led by manager Enzo Maresca, immediately pulled the plug on the deal, informing Jackson to return to London.
Jackson, who was reportedly "furious" at the U-turn, refused.
He stayed in Munich with his agent, who posted a defiant message on social media: "The plane doesn't go backwards."
The player's perseverance has paid off.
The Final Agreement
In a scramble, Chelsea then recalled Marc Guiu from his loan spell at Sunderland.
This decision freed them up to re-enter talks with Bayern.
The two clubs eventually came to a new agreement.
The deal is now a loan with an obligation to buy for a fee of £56m, with Bayern paying a loan fee of £16.5m.
🚨🔴⚪️ BREAKING: Bayern and Chelsea seal new agreement for Nicolas Jackson deal, done!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2025
Loan + buy clause with new element of obligation to buy included in the deal for 2026, as Chelsea wanted.
Jackson already agreed 5 year deal at Bayern. €16.5m loan fee.
Here we go again 💣 pic.twitter.com/0O1HvrvRYh
For Jackson, the deal marks a fresh start after a difficult season at Chelsea.
For Bayern, the deal gives them a much-needed attacking option, and for Chelsea, it's a way to recoup a significant fee for a player who is no longer a part of their plans.
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