Chelsea Sign Nicolas Jackson From Villarreal

Chelsea have signed forward, Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal for an undisclosed transfer fee.

Following the capture of Christopher Nkunku last Thursday (22 June), Jackson has become Chelsea’s second signing of this transfer window as incoming manager – Mauricio Pochettino looks to revamp his forward selection.

Chelsea have reportedly paid £31.8m to Villarreal for Jackson – who was the subject of a failed move to Bournemouth in January, with the forward signing an eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge until June 2031.

On behalf of the club, Chelsea’s Co-Sporting Directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley commented: “We are excited to welcome Nicolas to Chelsea. He is a young player with big potential, as he showcased for Villarreal last season.

“We believe he is ready for this next step in his career and look forward to him working with our new head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, and his Chelsea teammates.”

Jackson began his career with Senegal’s Casa Sports before he moved to Villarreal in September 2019, although he was sent out on loan to Mirandes a season later where he only produced one goal in 17 appearances.

Upon his return to Villarreal, Jackson mainly found himself in the B team where he scored seven goals in 27 appearances during 2021-22 season, despite failing to score in any of his 10 senior outings across that campaign.

Jackson however was promoted to the main team last season and proceeded to score 13 goals in 38 appearances, as he helped Villarreal finish fifth and La Liga despite Round of 16 eliminations in Copa del Rey and UEFA Europa Conference League.

The 22 year-old also represents Senegal in international football in which he has made three appearances since he was first called up in September 2022, although he didn’t feature in friendlies against Bolivia and Iran that month.

Jackson instead made his senior international debut as a substitute against Netherlands in Senegal’s first match at 2022 FIFA World Cup, having made the 26-man squad which eventually lost to England in the Round of 16 Stage.