With Xabi Alonso set to take the helm at Chelsea in July, there could be some experimenting this summer, potentially involving returnee Nicolas Jackson.
Nicolas Jackson has shifted his focus to the international stage after a respectable loan spell at Bayern Munich, traveling to North America for the 2026 World Cup as a leader for Senegal.
Once his World Cup campaign concludes, a fascinating summer awaits him back in London. With Bayern opting against triggering his permanent purchase option, Jackson is officially set to be reintegrated at Chelsea, as Xabi Alonso prepares to take over from Calum McFarlane.
Interestingly, Jackson is reportedly eager to fight for his place under Xabi Alonso, presenting Chelsea with a welcome, if complex, selection headache in attack.
Are you taking Nicolas Jackson back at Chelsea in the summer? Is he better than what we’ve got?
Nicolas Jackson mentioned for a left-winger role at Chelsea
Writing for The Athletic, Simon Johnson has suggested that Chelsea see Nicolas Jackson being able to play on the left wing, as well as a central striker.
It states he is in contention for a role at Chelsea and the fact that Enzo Maresca is no longer head coach, with Alonso at the helm, is partly behind the possible shift in his situation.
However, much could depend on his performances at the World Cup, as who knows, he could score a bucket load and suddenly have options open up in front of him this summer.
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Nicolas Jackson’s record as a left winger
In Nicolas Jackson’s career, he’s only played on the left wing 12 times out of 176 games.
Three of his appearances at left wing came for Chelsea, scoring one goal and assisting one.
From the left wing, Nicolas Jackson has the pace and power to beat full-backs, as well as the awareness to drag players out of position and stretch the play.
And when you consider that Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens have been linked with moves away, perhaps the solution to their potential departures could lie with Jackson.
After all, Xabi Alonso is known to be in the market for a versatile attacker who can play across the front three.
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