Nicolas Jackson’s chances of remaining in Munich beyond this summer are now slim to none. It has become a familiar sight: while Bayern’s stars walk out of the player tunnel in small groups, beaming with joy after matches, the Senegalese forward always walks alone.
After the 3-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, Jackson was the first professional player to leave the Munich Arena – alone, silent, without greeting anyone. Frustration was written all over his face, and it is not hard to see why. He has been a permanent fixture on the bench for the Bundesliga champions, having completed a full 90 minutes just once since the start of the season – a European fixture against Pafos FC in Cyprus.
To make matters worse: the 24-year-old striker had expected to steadily earn more playing time throughout the season, only to find himself further marginalised recently. Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, he has made just four appearances in seven matches, clocking up a total of only 99 minutes on the pitch.
This situation would leave any player disgruntled, and it is now all but certain that Jackson will not be wearing a Bayern jersey beyond this summer. As previously reported by the media, his frustration has now spread throughout the entire club.
It is important to note that the forward, who is currently on loan from Chelsea, does have an option for Bayern to sign him permanently. However, the fixed transfer fee set by the London club stands at a whopping €65 million – a figure that is clearly an unacceptably astronomical sum for Bayern’s hierarchy.
The buyout clause in his contract will not be activated. For the clause to be triggered, Jackson needed to feature in 40 official matches with at least 45 minutes of playing time per appearance. As Bayern president Uli Hoeneß previously revealed, this was seen as an unattainable target from the very start, and it is now completely out of reach.
While head coach Vincent Kompany has consistently been full of praise for the player, he was uncharacteristically cautious when recently asked about Jackson’s future, unable and unwilling to make any predictions.
Reporter: Can you offer any clarity on Nicolas Jackson’s future at Bayern amid his limited game time this season?
Vincent Kompany: I will always speak highly of Nicolas as a player, and he has a role to play for us in the weeks ahead. I will not comment on his long-term future at the club at this moment.
Kompany is acutely aware that he will still need Jackson in the coming weeks, which is why he has publicly lauded the striker and attempted to console the Senegalese forward. However, a starting spot remains out of reach for Jackson. Given the packed fixture schedule ahead, the Senegalese striker will only get a chance to feature if Harry Kane is rested. During the critical period of twice-weekly matches, the England international may be given appropriate rest to ensure he is in peak condition for the most important fixtures. Should Bayern wrap up the league title early, Jackson’s playing time may increase accordingly.
For the Senegalese forward, this is at least a glimmer of hope – an opportunity to put in strong performances to catch the eye of Chelsea or other clubs.
Meanwhile, Bayern are taking a calm approach to the situation. They have not entered into any further negotiations with Jackson’s agent, with the club’s priorities firmly elsewhere. At Säbener Straße, it appears they no longer include Jackson in their future plans.
