'He's no Harry Kane!' - Bayern Munich given 'brutal' warning on Nicolas Jackson as ex-striker predicts Chelsea forward will flop at Bundesliga giants

Bayern have completed the deadline-day signing of Senegal international Jackson on a season-long loan from Chelsea, with the deal that includes a conditional purchase obligation worth €65m (£54m/$71m). After an on-off saga, in which Chelsea initially recalled the Senegal striker following Liam Delap’s injury, Bayern finally struck an agreement. The 24-year-old arrives in Munich to provide depth behind Kane and will wear the No.11 shirt.

Former Germany international Helmes delivered a stinging assessment of the transfer: “Brutal figures,” Helmes told Sport.de. “€16.5 million is incredible for a loan deal. Add to that the €65 million if he makes certain appearances. In total, we’re looking at the [Nick] Woltemade deal. That’s completely overpriced. He’s no Harry Kane.”

While acknowledging Jackson’s flashes of quality in the Premier League, Helmes was clear: “For me, he’s still just a backup for Kane, nothing more, nothing less.”

Helmes also doubts that the forward will impress enough to trigger a permanent transfer, adding that "the purchase will not happen".

For Bayern, the move represents both ambition and risk, as Jackson has shown flashes of quality since joining Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, scoring 30 goals in 81 matches, but he has also been criticised for wasteful finishing and inconsistency. With Bayern heavily reliant on Kane, Jackson’s arrival gives boss Vincent Kompany an alternative option and tactical flexibility, particularly in a season where domestic dominance must be balanced with a deep Champions League run. Financially, however, critics including Helmes argue the structure of the deal is inflated, with over €80m (£66m/$87m) potentially committed for a player yet to prove himself at elite level.

Jackson is expected to make his debut after the international break, when Bayern face Hamburg on September 13. The key question will be whether he can adapt quickly to the Bundesliga and provide meaningful cover for Kane, or if Helmes’ warning proves prophetic.