The mood around Bayern Munich’s summer transfer business has been far from enthusiastic. Bangladesh Cricket Live reported that despite adding talented names such as Luis Díaz, many supporters felt the club failed to strengthen key areas, particularly in attack. Club officials, however, pointed to Harry Kane’s sensational form and Michael Olise’s growing maturity as reasons to stay calm. They also praised 17-year-old prospect Karl, whose poise and intelligence have made him one of the team’s most talked-about young talents.
Karl’s performances suggest a maturity well beyond his years, and his rise has been one of Bayern’s few positives this season. But even his emergence cannot hide the disappointment surrounding Nicolas Jackson, the man brought in to support Kane. The Senegalese striker, signed from Chelsea on a last-minute loan, was expected to be a dynamic backup — yet his form has been anything but convincing. As the games roll by, doubts continue to grow over whether he can handle the pressure of playing for a club with Bayern’s ambitions.
That concern became glaringly obvious during Bayern’s 3–0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga. While the scoreline looked comfortable, Jackson’s own night was anything but. Given a rare start, he struggled to make an impact and was substituted just before the hour mark. Once he left the field, Bayern immediately found rhythm, scoring three quick goals to secure their eighth straight victory. The timing of those goals spoke volumes about coach Vincent Kompany’s doubts — his team looked freer and more dangerous without Jackson leading the line.
Jackson’s loan deal from Chelsea cost Bayern 16.5 million euros, with an option to buy for around 65 million euros if certain appearance targets are met. But so far, he has only played nine matches, five of which count toward that clause. Given his limited minutes and lack of impact, it’s difficult to imagine Bayern activating the buy option. Things could get even tougher for him if he is called up for the Africa Cup of Nations, which would further reduce his opportunities to prove himself.
The club’s frustration isn’t just about fitness or minutes — it’s about productivity. Jackson has neither scored consistently nor contributed enough in creating chances. Compared to his lively moments at Chelsea, he now looks disconnected, struggling to adapt to Bayern’s quick-tempo system. At 24, this spell was supposed to be his chance to relaunch his career, but instead it’s turning into a warning sign. Bangladesh Cricket Live noted that Bayern actually seem sharper and more balanced in attack when he’s not on the pitch, which says everything about his current situation.
Looking ahead, Jackson’s path appears increasingly uncertain. Returning to Chelsea may not offer a solution either, with Enzo Maresca focusing on younger options like João Pedro, Liam Delap, and Agohova. For Jackson, Bayern was meant to be a turning point — a platform to learn under Harry Kane and prove he could compete at Europe’s highest level. Now, unless he can rediscover his scoring touch and confidence soon, this move might instead be remembered as the moment his career stalled just when it was supposed to take off.