In a recent development, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has officially confirmed that striker Nicolas Jackson has put pen to paper on a new contract at Stamford Bridge. The new deal, reportedly a two-year extension until 2033, solidifies Jackson’s future with the club.
Jackson, a Senegal international, initially signed an eight-year deal with Chelsea when he arrived from Villarreal last summer, committing his future to the club until 2031. In his first season at Stamford Bridge, Jackson displayed flashes of brilliance, scoring 17 goals and providing six assists in various competitions. However, he also faced criticism for his wastefulness and lack of discipline on the field.
Throughout the summer transfer window, Chelsea were linked with several center-forwards, including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, as Armando Broja and Romelu Lukaku departed from the club. Despite the speculation, Maresca did not bring in a new number nine before the transfer window closed. Nonetheless, Jackson has started the 2024-25 season on a positive note, contributing three goals in as many Premier League appearances.
Following his impressive performance in Chelsea’s recent matches, including a goal against Crystal Palace, Jackson has agreed to extend his stay at the club. BBC Sport reports that the 23-year-old has added two more years to his contract, keeping him at Chelsea for a total of nine years. Maresca expressed his satisfaction with Jackson’s decision, praising the player for his contributions on and off the ball.
In his post-match press conference, Maresca stated, “The only thing I know is he’s signing a new contract – I don’t know how many years. I’m very happy. Nicolas is doing a fantastic job with us, on and off the ball. He scored already two goals [this season]. He scored again today. He had another two chances but we are happy with him.”
Chelsea’s tendency to offer lengthy contracts, such as the recent extensions for Cole Palmer and Jackson, has raised eyebrows among critics. However, the club defends this practice as a sign of trust in their players and a way to ensure job security. While opinions may vary on the strategy, Jackson’s strong start to the season suggests that Chelsea’s decision not to pursue Victor Osimhen in the summer could be justified in the long run.