Nico Jackson 'the most complicated' transfer as agent admits doubts about Bayern Munich move as Chelsea attempted to cancel deal

Speaking to RMC Sport, Barat admitted that Jackson’s move from Chelsea to Bayern was “the most complicated” transfer he had to deal with in the summer window. Despite careful planning, negotiations were fraught with late twists, with Chelsea initially reluctant to let their striker depart. 

"You know, football is really unpredictable. These things happen all the time. I would say the most important thing is to stay calm, not to get too emotional," he said. "There are always unexpected parameters. For Nico, the key was always his will. He wanted Bayern, and our role was to protect that wish and make sure it was respected, even if obstacles arose along the way. Did I think it would collapse? Yes, for a short while I doubted it."

Barat disclosed that Chelsea attempted to recall Jackson even after he had travelled to Munich, following an injury to Liam Delap. “We were aware Chelsea would need a replacement,” the agent explained, adding that efforts were made to bring back Marc Guiu from his loan at Sunderland to unlock the transfer. Once that was resolved, Bayern were finally able to complete the signing in the last minutes of the window.

Unusually, Jackson remains eligible to play against his parent club under UEFA rules, which forbid clubs from imposing restrictions on loanees. Unlike the Premier League, where such clauses are standard, competitions like the Champions League allow players to line up against their employers. The precedent was set in recent years with Philippe Coutinho scoring against Barcelona while on loan at Bayern, a reminder of the potential awkwardness for Chelsea.

Barat also confirmed key details of the deal, revealing that Bayern have a mandatory purchase clause worth €80 million (£68m/$87m) if Jackson plays more than 40 matches this season. Even if he does not reach that threshold, the Bavarian club still hold the option to make the move permanent. For the player, who fell to third-choice striker at Stamford Bridge, the transfer offers a chance to restart his career at one of Europe’s elite clubs.

Jackson has already featured in Bayern’s 3-1 win over Chelsea in midweek, making his Champions League debut in extraordinary circumstances, after coming of the bench. Bayern, meanwhile, continue their strong domestic start and prepare for a Bundesliga clash with Hoffenheim, with Jackson keen to cement his place in Vincent Kompany’s plans.