The situation with Nicolas Jackson is yet another installment of how Chelsea’s different and ruthless recruitment model works. Less than a year after his £32 million signing from Villarreal, the winger is reportedly set to leave the club despite an upward trajectory of his career and his value doubled over the season.
Jackson was a signing with limited risk and great potential. Following a 12-goal season, the 22-year-old was viewed as a player who could either evolve into a lighting star or be sold for a profit. He catered for the latter case, scoring 14 goals in the league during his first season, which immediately caused his market value to rise due to the “Premier League tax.”
As the club’s determination for European glory was ever more relentless, Jackson was given a brief and was not kept for long. His productivity went down during Enzo Maresca’s first year, and disciplinary issues escalated, which enabled the club to start looking out for a new striker.
Aston Villa and Newcastle are allegedly among the interested parties, who are willing to bid roughly £60 million, so that Chelsea can let him go and reap a big profit.
Jackson has ironically become the exact sort of footballer that the Blues are still targeting. His successor, João Pedro, was bought from Brighton for £60 million, and 22-year-old Liam Delap was also acquired for £30 million after a 12-goal season with Ipswich Town. Both are now saddled with huge expectations seemingly identical to their predecessor ones.
The indication is that you cannot just be good enough at Stamford Bridge which is what the club demands of a player. A footballer’s worth on the pitch should never be less than his value in the transfer market. For Nicolas Jackson, the choice has been taken away from him, showing that for Chelsea, it is a matter of winning trophies or making money.
