Chelsea sign Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal for €37m

Chelsea have completed the signing of Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal for a reported fee of €37 million.

The 22-year-old Senegalese striker has signed an eight-year deal with the London club. This is Chelsea’s second major signing this summer, following the arrival of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.

… Nic Jackson! 💙 pic.twitter.com/IRFcrXnXf6

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 30, 2023

Born in The Gambia and raised in neighbouring Senegal, Jackson moved to Spain four years ago to join Villarreal’s development team. He made 26 appearances in La Liga last season, scoring 12 goals and providing 4 assists. Jackson’s impressive form, particularly in the final three months of the season, convinced Chelsea to secure his services.

Chelsea co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley released a statement welcoming Jackson to the club: “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’s signing is part of manager Mauricio Pochettino’s plan to revamp the squad ahead of the new Premier League season. The striker will add pace, strength, and excellent off-the-ball movement to Chelsea’s attacking options.