Barcelona are reportedly considering a surprise loan swoop for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, according to new reports that have emerged from CaughtOffside. The Catalan giants, under sporting director Deco, are exploring the possibility of bringing the Senegal international to the Camp Nou on a temporary basis as they look to bolster their attacking depth ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Sources within the agents’ network suggest that Deco is already planning to initiate direct talks with Chelsea over a potential loan agreement. The move comes as Jackson’s future at Stamford Bridge continues to hang in the balance following an underwhelming spell and increased competition for forward positions under new Blues boss Enzo Maresca.
At just 24 years old, Nicolas Jackson is seen by Barcelona as an ideal rotation piece to complement their aging talisman Robert Lewandowski, who turns 36 next month. With Barcelona competing in multiple fronts next season—La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League—they are keen to manage Lewandowski’s minutes while maintaining firepower up front.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are believed to prefer a permanent sale, setting Jackson’s price tag at around €50 million. However, Barcelona’s current financial restrictions make a full transfer nearly impossible, and a loan deal with an option to buy in 2026 may be their best bet.
The situation has attracted interest from other clubs as well. Premier League outfits Newcastle United and Aston Villa have shown interest in acquiring Jackson, but Chelsea are reportedly reluctant to sell to direct domestic competitors. This has tilted the advantage slightly in favor of Barcelona, who can offer a foreign loan route with less long-term risk for the London-based club.
Meanwhile, AC Milan were previously linked with Jackson but have now cooled their interest due to budgetary limitations. Napoli remain in the race but are also weighing up their options as they struggle to make headway in talks for Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez. This leaves Barcelona in a prime position should they decide to accelerate negotiations.
Jackson’s recent form has not helped his case at Chelsea. Despite initial flashes of brilliance, his performances at the Club World Cup earlier this summer were widely criticized. The arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap this transfer window have pushed him further down the pecking order, raising serious doubts about his chances of regular game time under Maresca.
Enzo Maresca has made it clear he wants attackers who can deliver consistently, and Jackson has struggled to meet expectations. That being said, a loan move abroad could provide the young forward a much-needed reset—both mentally and tactically—without permanently severing ties with Chelsea.
Barcelona view Jackson’s attributes—pace, physicality, and work rate—as fitting the mold of players who can adapt quickly to La Liga. Although he may not be the finished product, Deco reportedly sees him as a “low-risk, high-upside” option who could blossom under Hansi Flick’s dynamic system.
There’s also the tactical angle. Jackson is versatile enough to operate not just as a central striker, but also on the flanks if needed. With Raphinha and Ferran Torres linked with potential exits and Ansu Fati’s future uncertain, Jackson could provide depth across the frontline, relieving pressure off Lamine Yamal and Joao Felix.
Fan reaction to the rumors has been mixed. While some Culers are excited about the potential of a fresh, powerful attacker who still has room to grow, others remain cautious, questioning whether Jackson can handle the pressure and expectation that comes with playing for a club of Barcelona’s magnitude.
Spanish media outlets have also reported that Deco is assessing multiple forward options this summer, and that Jackson’s case is just one among several. However, the feasibility of a loan makes him a leading candidate, especially considering Barcelona’s ongoing financial fair play constraints and their reluctance to commit to large up-front fees.
Moreover, a successful loan spell could benefit all parties involved. Chelsea would get their player developed elsewhere without strengthening a direct rival. Barcelona would receive a young striker who could contribute right away. And Jackson himself would have the opportunity to revive his form in a new environment with top-tier exposure.
Whether this deal materializes depends largely on how flexible Chelsea are willing to be. If they insist on a sale, Barcelona may have to walk away. But if a compromise can be reached—a season-long loan with a buy option or performance triggers—then a move to Camp Nou could soon become reality.
For now, fans of both clubs await further developments. Jackson’s next step could shape not only his own career trajectory, but also the attacking outlook of two of Europe’s biggest football institutions.
