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Paul Merson Shocked by Chelsea's Decision to Let Player Go
Former Arsenal star and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has expressed disbelief over Chelsea's decision to allow Nicolas Jackson to leave Stamford Bridge for Bayern Munich.
The 24-year-old Senegalese striker, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal for £32 million in 2023, finalized a high-profile move to the Bundesliga giants on a season-long loan with a £70 million obligation to buy. Merson, stunned that no Premier League clubs pursued Jackson, believes Chelsea may regret letting go of a player with immense potential.
Merson Questions Premier League Clubs' Inaction
In a recent Sky Sports News segment, Merson voiced his astonishment, stating, “I’m amazed no one has come in for Nicolas Jackson. How Newcastle have not gone after him I do not know…” With Newcastle opting for Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade instead, Merson sees a missed opportunity for the Magpies to bolster their attack with Jackson’s pace and physicality.
Merson also pointed to Aston Villa’s goal-scoring struggles, adding, “Aston Villa don’t look like scoring a goal for toffee. There are deals to be done. I’m flabbergasted this lad has not gone anywhere…” Despite Jackson’s “rough” edges, Merson believes his attributes—speed, directness, and work rate—made him a prime target for Premier League sides.
"I still can't believe they let Jackson go!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 16, 2025
Paul Merson says letting Nicolas Jackson go will hurt Chelsea in the long run 🔵 pic.twitter.com/j2t7I5GFog
Jackson’s Impact at Chelsea
Jackson, was originally signed as a long-term forward option for Chelsea, scored 14 goals in 35 Premier League appearances during the 2024/25 season. His partnership with Cole Palmer was a highlight, with Merson noting;
“Nicolas Jackson is a handful. He made [Cole] Palmer as good as Palmer made him, in my opinion…” The duo’s chemistry helped Chelsea secure European qualification, with Jackson’s ability to stretch defenses complementing Palmer’s playmaking.
However, Chelsea’s summer overhaul under Enzo Maresca saw new forwards like Liam Delap arrive, leading to Jackson’s surprising exit. The transfer, initially thrown into doubt by Delap’s injury, was finalized with Bayern paying a £14 million loan fee, potentially rising to £70 million with add-ons.
Bayern Move: A Premier League Loss?
While acknowledging Bayern Munich’s prestige, Merson emphasized the Premier League’s allure:
“Don’t get me wrong, he’s got a lovely move to Bayern Munich, an amazing club, but everybody wants to play in the Premier League.”
Jackson now joins a Bayern side led by Vincent Kompany, where he’ll compete with Harry Kane in a high-pressing system. Merson remains convinced Chelsea made a mistake.
“If I were Chelsea, I would have kept Nicolas Jackson. I don’t think he’s a bad player,” he said, praising the striker’s unique qualities.
As Chelsea prepare to face Brentford, and with Jackson settling in Munich, fans and pundits alike wonder if the Blues will rue this decision.
Why This Transfer Matters
Jackson’s departure highlights the Premier League’s competitive transfer market and Chelsea’s bold squad restructuring. Will Jackson thrive in the Bundesliga, or will Chelsea regret letting a potential star slip away? Only time will tell.
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