According to Football Transfer, Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha’s arrival at Chelsea signals the imminent end of Nicolas Jackson’s time at Stamford Bridge, even if Bayern Munich decide not to make Jackson’s loan permanent, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Last week, Chelsea officially announced the signing of Emegha from Strasbourg until 2026. The deal had been in the works for months, but it still caught many by surprise, especially among Strasbourg supporters.
The club’s fanbase is divided over BlueCo’s involvement with Strasbourg. Some fans have protested against the French club becoming a developmental team for Chelsea, expressing dissatisfaction with the partnership.
Emegha’s move intensified these protests, particularly as he was recently appointed Strasbourg’s captain. During a match against Le Havre, he was labeled a ‘BlueCo pawn,’ which reportedly left him feeling devastated.
Chelsea aims to integrate Emegha into their first team next season. Romano believes this signing effectively seals Jackson’s fate at Chelsea. Even if Bayern decide not to make Jackson’s loan permanent, Emegha’s arrival suggests Jackson’s future at Stamford Bridge is bleak.
Jacksoed Bayern on loan this summer after being deemed surplus to requirements at Chelsea. Bayern agreed to pay an €81.5 million deal comprising a €16.5 million loan fee and a €65 million purchase option. However, the purchase becomes mandatory only if Jackson makes 40 starts this season a target Bayern’s honorary president Uli Hoeness recently called “impossible.”
Even if Jackson returns to Chelsea next year, Romano states he would unlikely be reintegrated into the squad due to Emegha’s arrival. Internally, Chelsea sees Emegha as a player with significant potential for the future, capable of filling a similar role to Jackson but with different skills.
Romano summarized, “The move of Emegha to Chelsea probably closes all doors for Jackson’s return to the club.”
