How Nicolas Jackson is Allowed to play Against His Parent Club

Only two weeks ago, Nicolas Jackson was still training with Chelsea at Cobham. Now, the Senegal striker could play a decisive role in trying to knock his parent club off course as Bayern Munich prepare to face the Blues in their Champions League opener.

Those close to the forward say he is highly motivated to make an impact, even telling friends in the build-up that he “feels destined to score” if given the chance against Chelsea.

🚨 Kompany on Nico Jackson: “It was a good training but his personality fits well with the team. He's a good person and my wish is that he will score a lot of goals but he will not be put under pressure from my side”. pic.twitter.com/dpi01VLagx

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 16, 2025

Why He Can Face His Parent Club

Unlike in the Premier League or FA Cup, UEFA rules allow loan players to face their parent clubs in European competition. Jackson’s loan agreement with Bayern was therefore never going to prevent him from playing on Wednesday night.

This mirrors past cases, such as Thibaut Courtois featuring for Atletico Madrid against Chelsea in the 2014 Champions League semi-finals. Back then, UEFA even stepped in to confirm that any extra “payment clauses” to restrict a loanee from playing were invalid.

Bayern Move: High Loan Fee and Buy Clause Debate

Jackson sealed his loan move to Bayern on deadline day after slipping to third-choice striker at Chelsea behind Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. The deal was complex, involving a €16.5m loan fee and a conditional €65m obligation to buy, potentially rising to a package worth €81.5m.

Bayern president Uli Hoeness caused a stir by suggesting the obligation would only trigger if Jackson started 40 matches, a tall order in a 34-game Bundesliga season. Though Hoeness later softened his stance, the comments highlighted the tension between the clubs. Chelsea have remained publicly silent but are understood to be satisfied with the structure.

Settling Quickly in Munich

Despite the drawn-out transfer saga, Jackson has adapted well to his new surroundings. He impressed on international duty with Senegal and has shown flashes of his pace and power in Bayern training. Team-mate Harry Kane has already praised his “great attitude and willingness to learn,” while Kompany has been tapping into Jackson’s insight on Chelsea’s style of play.

Jackson has told friends that joining Bayern has boosted his profile back home in Senegal, where the move has been viewed as a major step up in his career.

Chelsea Exit Sparks Mixed Reactions

The striker’s camp, including representative Diomansy Kamara, has made it clear they see his Chelsea chapter as closed. Kamara described the Bayern move as permanent in spirit, claiming “absolutely not” when asked if Jackson could return to Stamford Bridge.

He also criticised the “ego war” between Bayern and Chelsea over the loan terms, insisting performance, not appearances, will determine his future. “If he scores 15 goals by December,” Kamara argued, “nobody will care how many games he’s started.”

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca pushed back, saying: “I had no problem with Nico. He is a good guy, a good professional, and worked well with us.”

Special Night Ahead

While Jackson may start on the bench due to his limited pre-season and tendency to let emotions run high — Chelsea remember well his two red cards in five matches last season — he is still expected to feature.

Kompany acknowledged both the risks and opportunities: “It’ll certainly be a special game for him, there’s no doubt about that.”

Whatever happens, Jackson’s story is only just beginning at Bayern — and a goal against Chelsea would be the perfect way to launch his European adventure.