New Bayern Munich striker Nicolas Jackson says he is delighted to have joined “a club that truly wants me,” after completing a season-long loan move from Chelsea.
Speaking at his official unveiling in Munich on Friday, the 24-year-old Senegalese forward reflected on the tense final days of the transfer window, admitting there were “tough times and difficult moments” when the deal nearly collapsed.
“In football, sometimes you feel it’s time for a change,” Jackson said. “I spoke with sporting director Max Eberl and the coach, they made it clear they really wanted me. As a player, you always want to be where you’re wanted.”
Jackson, who joined Chelsea in 2023, slipped down the attacking pecking order following the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap over the summer. He had travelled to Munich just before deadline day to finalise the loan, but Chelsea initially recalled him after Delap suffered an injury.
Determined to secure the move, Jackson through his agent refused to return to London. After further negotiations, Bayern confirmed the signing just hours after the transfer window shut, reaching an agreement with the Club World Cup holders.
“There were difficult moments, but I remained confident because this is where I want to play,” Jackson said.
According to reports, Bayern agreed to pay a €16.5 million ($19 million) loan fee , which is believed to be the highest in the club’s history along with a conditional obligation to buy for €65 million. However, Bayern’s honorary president Uli Hoeness later revealed the clause was intentionally hard to trigger.
“We only have to pay if he starts 40 games this season. He’ll never reach that,” Hoeness said on Tuesday.
Jackson, who described Hoeness as “a legend of the club,” stressed that the clause was not his concern. “That’s not my decision or my focus. My job is to play, score goals and help the team win,” he said.
The former Villarreal forward is expected to make his Bayern debut on Saturday when the Bundesliga champions host Hamburg.
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