Chelsea’s poor form has been linked to the departure of Nicolas Jackson, whose successful loan at Bayern Munich and broken relationship with the Blues have left the London club struggling for goals.
Chelsea’s decision to move Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich has emerged as the club’s most significant tactical error of 2025.
While the Blues offloaded stars like Noni Madueke to meet UEFA financial regulations, the loss of Jackson has crippled the team’s offensive rhythm.
Having scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for the club, the Senegal international provided a level of clinical finishing that summer recruits Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have struggled to replicate.
The striker’s absence has particularly hindered talisman Cole Palmer, who has yet to record an assist for the new strike duo.
The established chemistry between Palmer and Jackson was a primary “route to goal” under previous regimes, and its disappearance coincides with Chelsea winning just one of their last seven league matches.
Fans have expressed frustration, with one stating, “Estevao do much better in the game but Enzo Maresca made the wrong sub.”
Although Jackson is technically still a Chelsea player while on loan at Bayern, a permanent reconciliation appears unlikely.
Reports indicate the forward “doesn’t want to feature for the Blues again” following his perceived mistreatment by the hierarchy.
As the January window opens, Chelsea’s sporting directors face a £60 million dilemma to fix a broken attack, with some supporters arguing that a “mature and intelligent coach” is needed to solve the positional crisis.