Senegal international Nicolas Jackson has completed a €55.5 million move from Chelsea to Aston Villa, bringing an end to his three-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old forward completed the transfer on 28 August 2026 and becomes a new attacking option for Villa as they strengthen their squad for the 2026-27 Premier League campaign.
Jackson initially joined Chelsea from Villarreal in July 2023 for around €37 million, having developed his career in Spain after moving from Senegalese club Casa Sports to Villarreal’s academy in 2019.
He also spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Mirandes before returning to Villarreal and eventually breaking into the first team.
Successful spell in Germany
Jackson’s move to Villa follows a campaign in which he played for both Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
He joined Bayern on loan in September 2025, with the German champions paying a reported €16.5 million loan fee, before returning to Chelsea at the end of June 2026.
During his time in Germany, Jackson helped Bayern win the 2025-26 Bundesliga title and German Cup.
He also has a FIFA Club World Cup winners’ medal from 2025 and previously helped Chelsea win the UEFA Conference League during the 2024-25 season.
Jackson’s international experience
Jackson represented Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring in four matches and starting two.
The forward recorded one assist during the tournament and now returns to club football with Aston Villa.
Born in Banjul, The Gambia, Jackson represents Senegal internationally and has established himself as a regular option for the Teranga Lions.
Standing at 1.87 metres, the right-footed centre-forward gives Villa a recognised presence through the middle of their attack.
New chapter at Aston Villa
Jackson arrives at Villa with experience of playing in three of Europe’s major leagues, having featured in Spain, England and Germany.
His move also comes as Aston Villa continue to reshape their squad ahead of a campaign that includes Premier League football and Champions League commitments.
For Jackson, the transfer provides an opportunity to revive his club career and establish himself as a key attacking figure at Villa after an inconsistent period at Chelsea.
The €55.5m transfer brings his Chelsea chapter to an end and gives Aston Villa a proven international forward as they prepare for the remainder of the 2026-27 season.
