Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has revealed how close he came to joining Aston Villa in January 2023, a move that could have altered his career path entirely.
The 23-year-old, now one of Chelsea’s most crucial players, shared how an untimely injury prevented him from reuniting with former Villarreal coach Unai Emery in the Premier League.
Jackson’s rise has been remarkable, but the journey hasn’t been without challenges. His standout performances for Villarreal under Emery first caught the eye of clubs across Europe.
However, when Emery left for Aston Villa in late 2022, Jackson hoped to follow him to England. Despite Villa’s interest, a hamstring injury during the January transfer window delayed the move, forcing the Senegal international to stay in Spain.
“When Unai left, he wanted me to go to Aston Villa, but I was injured,” Jackson explained.
“Villa checked and said I needed one more month. They needed someone immediately, so the transfer was canceled. I went back to Villarreal angry, not because the move didn’t happen, but because I knew I had to work harder.”
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How Chelsea developed interest in signing Nicolas Jackson
After the failed transfer, Jackson channeled his frustration into his performances for Villarreal.
The young forward scored an impressive 12 goals in just two months, showcasing his potential and earning interest from Europe’s top clubs. Chelsea, keen to secure a dynamic striker, signed him in June 2023 for £30 million.
Jackson also admitted that AC Milan had expressed interest during this time, but his decision to join Chelsea proved pivotal.
Despite early criticism for missed opportunities in front of goal, Jackson used the pressure to fuel his growth. This season, he has already netted eight goals in 14 league games, becoming a key player for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Reflecting on the setbacks, Jackson credited the challenges for shaping his mentality. “That period helped me understand what I needed to do. At Villarreal, I was flying for those two or three months. I learned from that, and now at Chelsea, with the pressure and expectations, I’m getting better with every game,” he said.
