When Bayern Munich meet Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday, one familiar face could line up against the London side: Nicolas Jackson.
The 24-year-old striker left Stamford Bridge in the summer for a season-long loan in Germany. Yet despite being contracted to Chelsea, he is eligible to play against them.
This is because of a striking difference between domestic and European rules. In the Premier League, players on loan are not allowed to face their parent clubs. UEFA takes a different view. Its “Statement on Integrity of Competitions” bans such clauses, meaning no club can stop their loanee from featuring.
“It ensures fairness across the tournament,” UEFA explained in its competition guidelines.
That means Bayern’s new manager, Vincent Kompany, has a decision to make. Whether Jackson starts or not is another matter.
The Senegalese forward joined Bayern on a deal worth around £14 million, with an option to buy set at £70m. Bayern president Uli Hoeness has already played down the likelihood of making the move permanent, but the player still has much to prove.
Jackson scored 30 goals in 81 matches for Chelsea across two seasons, helping the club secure Champions League football last term. Now he has the chance to remind Chelsea’s hierarchy of his quality—this time in Munich colours.
The challenge is steep. Bayern’s forward line is packed: Harry Kane leads the attack with relentless form, Michael Olise brings flair, Luis Díaz offers pace, and Serge Gnabry remains a proven finisher. Breaking into that group is no small task.
But Jackson’s style is different. His energy and direct running could give Kompany a useful option, especially if Bayern need fresh legs late in the game.
For Chelsea, it could be an uncomfortable reminder. A goal from their own loanee would not just hurt on the night. It might also raise questions in west London about whether they let him go too soon.
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