Nicolas Jackson joins Aston Villa in club-record move as Ollie Watkins exit looms
Aston Villa have moved quickly to replace Ollie Watkins by signing Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea in a club-record deal worth up to £65 million.
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Senegal international Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea in a club-record deal worth up to £65 million, strengthening Unai Emery’s attack ahead of a crucial Premier League campaign.
The 25-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Villa Park after Villa agreed an initial £47.5 million fee with a further £17.5 million potentially payable in performance-related additions.
Jackson becomes the latest major arrival in an increasingly busy transfer window for the Europa League holders, who are reshaping their squad after several important departures.
The forward’s move also brings him back together with Emery, who previously coached him at Villarreal before the striker moved to Chelsea in 2023.
Jackson scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for the London club and helped them win the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, but his position at Stamford Bridge became increasingly uncertain after he fell out of favour and subsequently spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich.
His spell in Germany ended with 11 goals and two major domestic trophies as Bayern secured the Bundesliga and German Cup. At Villa, Jackson is expected to take over the central attacking role vacated by Ollie Watkins, who is completing a reported £50 million transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Watkins leaves after becoming Villa’s leading Premier League goalscorer, making Jackson’s arrival a significant attempt to replace the goals and attacking presence of one of the club’s most influential players in recent years.
Villa began the new league campaign poorly with a heavy defeat against Brighton, but Jackson’s arrival gives Emery another attacking option as the club prepares to face Arsenal.
The transfer also underlines Villa’s determination to remain competitive despite a summer of substantial squad changes.
