The 2025-26 season is finally over for Nicolas Jackson. The striker suffered defeat in one of the World Cup’s most controversial games so far, and now, Jackson is set to return to Chelsea.
Jackson surprisingly didn’t start the game, but he finished it. Senegal looked as if they had done enough to secure a place in the last 16, leading Belgium 2-0 with 85 minutes gone. But Belgium came back.
Nicolas Jackson can thrive under Xabi Alonso 🔥
He was a threat for Senegal against France!
Goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans saw the game go into extra time, and moments before a penalty shootout was set to take place, Tielemans won and scored a controversial penalty to win 3-2.
It sees Jackson end a brilliant season heartbreakingly. The Bayern loanee now returns to Chelsea but it is unclear what Xabi Alonso plans to do. However, Kieran Gill now has an update and it will delight fans.
The plan in place for Nicolas Jackson amid Chelsea return
The overriding feeling since Jackson left is that Chelsea missed him. Paul Merson thinks Cole Palmer struggled without Jackson making a run ahead, either for a pass forward to create space for him.
Chelsea fans have been hoping that Jackson returns, especially based on his performances for Senegal at the World Cup. But there are clubs interested in Jackson, and the player’s stance remains unknown.
Milan, Juventus, Fenerbahce and Al Ahli have all been linked with Jackson, while there is Premier League interest in the striker too. Now, The Mail’s Gill reports on X that Alonso plans to observe him this summer.
Gill also indicates that Chelsea sources have informed him that Enzo Maresca was the reason for his exit, and with Maresca now at Man City, the only obstacle Jackson had at Chelsea has now been removed.
“Plan now is for 25yo to have his rest and then be assessed by Alonso & Chelsea, barring transfer-interest interruption. CFC insiders reiterate Bayern loan came after a breakdown in his relationship with Maresca.”
Cole Palmer has just approved Nicolas Jackson’s return
It’s not just Chelsea fans who would love to see Jackson in a Blues shirt again. Jackson gives Chelsea something different up top, and there is even a belief that Jackson could provide cover on the left wing.
Nicolas Jackson or Liam Delap, which one are you keeping? Tell us who and why!
But most importantly, Palmer wants Jackson back at Chelsea. He has liked a post on Instagram confirming Jackson’s return and that says it all. One of Alonso’s biggest tasks is getting Palmer back to his best.
Jackson provides that. Chelsea fans know this, Palmer knows this, and now, Alonso is giving a chance to show Jackson can. Giving Jackson a chance is what Chelsea fans want, and Alonso is providing that.
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