Aston Villa sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson for reported club record | Football News
Aston Villa Signs Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea for Record Fee
Aston Villa has completed the signing of Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea in a deal reportedly valued at a club-record £65 million ($88 million).
Jackson, who has signed a five-year contract with the Europa League holders, reunites with Villa manager Unai Emery, with whom he previously worked at Villarreal. Emery had indicated during a Friday news conference that Jackson’s signing was imminent as he prepared for the upcoming match against Arsenal.
The 25-year-old arrives at Villa Park to fill the void left by Ollie Watkins, whose imminent transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal is nearing completion. This transfer is expected to be finalized as Watkins, the club’s top Premier League goalscorer, recently declined to participate in Villa’s 4-0 loss to Brighton.
Jackson has been training separately from Chelsea’s squad after being informed by manager Xabi Alonso that he was not in the team’s plans. During his time at Chelsea, he recorded 30 goals in 81 appearances across all competitions since his arrival in 2023, contributing to the club’s victories in the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup.
Last season, while on loan at Bayern Munich, Jackson scored 11 goals and helped the club secure both the Bundesliga title and the German Cup. Additionally, he has made 37 appearances for the Senegal national team and participated in both the 2022 and 2026 World Cups.
His departure from Villa Park marks the latest in a series of exits, as Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Lucas Digne have also left the club.
