Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson hints at making Bayern Munich stay permanent

Senegal international Nicolas Jackson has suggested he would be open to staying at Bayern Munich beyond his current loan spell from Chelsea as he prepares to face his parent club in the Champions League.

The 24-year-old striker joined the Bundesliga champions on transfer deadline day and has quickly become part of their attacking rotation under Thomas Tuchel.

Jackson, who was Chelsea’s first-choice centre-forward last season, lost his place in West London after the arrivals of João Pedro and Liam Delap pushed him down the pecking order.

Manager Enzo Maresca subsequently sanctioned his departure for the rest of the campaign, with Bayern securing his services as back-up to Harry Kane.

Speaking to German outlet BILD about his future, Jackson left open the prospect of a permanent move.

“My focus is on giving my best here. Bayern is one of the best clubs in the world,” he said. “If everything goes well and everyone is happy, I would, of course, like to stay. But now it’s about the present. Work hard, do my best.”

Jackson moved to Bavaria for a £14.3 million loan fee with a conditional obligation to buy set at £56.2 million. That option will only be triggered if he reaches 40 appearances for the German champions, a target considered unlikely given Bayern’s depth in attack.

Bayern host Chelsea in their Champions League opener on Wednesday, handing Jackson an early chance to impress against his parent club and perhaps show Maresca what he is missing.

His performance in Munich could also shape the discussions around his long-term future, with Bayern and Chelsea both monitoring how the loan unfolds.

Jackson, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, scored 17 goals in all competitions last season and remains highly regarded by his national team, Senegal.