Always trying isn’t enough: Jackson turning into an expensive Bayern flop | OneFootball

With the signing of Nicolas Jackson, FC Bayern aimed to add more depth and speed to their offense. However, just a few weeks in Munich, the initial euphoria has largely dissipated. The 24-year-old is falling far short of expectations and risks becoming an expensive misunderstanding.

Nine games, two goals, one assist – at first glance, Nicolas Jackson's record looks solid. But those who have closely followed the performances of the Senegalese striker quickly realize: The last-minute signing, loaned from Chelsea on deadline day, is currently one of the biggest losers in the Bayern squad.

In the Champions League, Jackson scored twice in three games against underdogs Pafos FC and Club Brugge, but he is struggling in the Bundesliga. In six league games, the 24-year-old is still waiting for his first scoring point. Recently, he started against Borussia Dortmund (2:1) and Borussia Mönchengladbach (3:0) – both times he disappointed (FCBinside rating 5).

Stagnation instead of development: Jackson finds no role in Kompany's system

While Liverpool's new signing Luis Díaz has long become a key player in FC Bayern's offensive play, Jackson's development is clearly stagnating. What initially was considered an adjustment phase has now become a real problem.

The Senegalese often seems like a foreign body in Munich's highly precise combination play. Technical inaccuracies frequently occur, along with poor decisions in finishing and a lack of understanding of his teammates' movements. All this results in Jackson hardly connecting with the game – a stark contrast to the dynamic offensive performances of his colleagues.

Even a look at the numbers shows: Jackson is not having a good season. With 0.33 successful dribbles and 1.44 shots per game, he falls significantly short. Even his duel success rate is in need of improvement for a striker: Jackson wins less than 30 percent of his duels. Especially in the air, he stands no chance (0/5).

Particularly bitter for the striker: With the emerging homegrown talent Lennart Karl, he now has another competitor in the offense. The 17-year-old impresses with playfulness, speed, and efficiency – and unlike Jackson, he scores regularly. At the latest, when Jamal Musiala returns from his injury, the competition for Jackson in the already crowded attack could become very tight.

Eberl defends Jackson – but the facts tell a different story

Despite the obvious problems, Bayern's bosses continue to stand by the striker. Sports director Max Eberl defended Jackson after the Gladbach match: "He put himself at the service of the team," Eberl said, but added: "The spaces were extremely tight, even for Harry. Nicolas was very committed."

But behind the diplomatic words lies a clear reality: "Committed" is rarely a seal of approval in professional football. The 24-year-old has delivered too little so far to recommend himself for a future in Munich.

Record loan deal threatens to become a financial own goal

Photo: IMAGO

Financially, Jackson also threatens to become a problem. According to consistent media reports, the loan of the striker costs a hefty 16.5 million euros – the most expensive loan deal in Bundesliga history. Added to this is an estimated annual salary of 6 million euros, with Bayern investing over 20 million euros for one season.

An enormous sum for a player who has not yet delivered any sustainable sporting added value – and this at a time when Bayern publicly emphasize their austerity measures.

Jackson came as a beacon of hope – but after just a few weeks, he risks becoming the symbol of a failed last-minute transfer. If his form does not stabilize soon, the loan could go down in Bayern's history as an expensive misunderstanding after the season.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.