Andoni Iraola to save €65m star’s Chelsea career
Updated: 7 May 2026 15:35 BST |
5 min read
Nicolas Jackson’s career at Chelsea could be saved by Andoni Iraola if the current Bournemouth boss is appointed as the Blues’ new head coach this summer.
Jackson, 24, was sent on loan to Bayern Munich last August after falling down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, but Vincent Kompany’s side have already confirmed they will not trigger their option to sign him on a permanent deal for €65 million.
As a result, the Senegal international will return to Chelsea this summer, before the west London giants decide whether to reintegrate him into the first-team, sanction another loan move or sell him permanently.
Jackson has scored 10 goals for Bayern so far this season, and while his Chelsea career looked to be over last year, the departure of Enzo Maresca has provided the opportunity for a lifeline.
It’s understood that a key reason behind Jackson’s departure to Bayern on loan was due to a breakdown in his relationship with Maresca, in addition to the signings of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, but the Italian’s exit in January means he could feasibly return to the first-team fold ahead of next season.
Chelsea have already finalised a deal for Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha, who will join the club in July, but the club have been tipped to offload Delap following a dismal first campaign at Stamford Bridge, which could provide a chance for Jackson to return.
Furthermore, the likelihood of a Chelsea revival will increase tenfold if Iraola is appointed as the club’s new head coach.
Analysis: Nicolas Jackson set for Chelsea lifeline?
Chelsea are searching for another new permanent manager following the sacking of Liam Rosenior last month and while candidates such as Xabi Alonso, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas have been linked, Iraola is currently the bookies’ favourite.
He has confirmed that he will be leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season and with Michael Carrick expected to be hired permanently by Manchester United, Chelsea are likely to be the only big Premier League club searching for a new manager this summer.
Iraola has enjoyed a hugely successful stint at Bournemouth since his arrival in 2023 and he could be set to guide the Cherries to European football for the first time in their entire history.
If he is appointed by the Blues, his previous comments about Jackson suggest that the Senegal star could play a key role at Chelsea next term.
Bournemouth were close to signing Jackson before his eventual move to Stamford Bridge and when discussing the 24-year-old ahead of his side’s clash against Chelsea in 2023, Iraola told reporters: “I faced him with Villarreal. He is a very, very good player.
“He has the threat with his speed to attack the spaces. But he is very good also when he receives, turns and attacks one against one.
“I think he will provide not only the goals, but a lot of chances. He will work well with the other forwards. I think he is a really good player.”
As a result, it’s fair to suggest that Iraola is a huge fan of Jackson, meaning he could be offered a second chance at Chelsea if the Spaniard is appointed this summer.
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