Nicolas Jackson is heading back to Stamford Bridge. FC Bayern Munich has officially confirmed it will not exercise its purchase option for the Chelsea striker, ending his one-season stint in the Bavarian capital.

The decision means Chelsea retains full contractual rights over the forward, who joined Bayern on a season-long loan that kicked off on September 1, 2025. That loan reportedly cost Bayern around €16.5 million just for the temporary arrangement, with a buy clause set at approximately €65 million.

Bayern walks away from a €65 million price tag

Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl confirmed the club’s decision not to activate the purchase clause in late April 2026. The confirmation puts to rest weeks of speculation about Jackson’s future at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern paid an estimated €16.5 million just to borrow Jackson for a single season. Walking away from the full transfer means the club effectively spent that fee for a rental, a not-insignificant sum for a player they ultimately decided wasn’t worth the full commitment.

The €65 million buy clause, which some reports characterized as an obligation rather than a simple option, represented a substantial investment that Bayern’s leadership clearly felt was better allocated elsewhere. Bayern preferred to stick with Harry Kane, their main striker, rather than pursue a permanent deal for Jackson.

What Jackson did in Munich

Jackson contributed meaningful goals throughout the 2025-26 campaign, finding the net in both Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League matches.

Jackson was part of the Bayern squad that secured the Bundesliga title during his loan spell. His Champions League contributions added another layer of credibility to his season.

Chelsea’s next move

Jackson’s return to Chelsea in June 2026 creates an interesting situation for both the player and the club. Chelsea now has a striker coming back from a title-winning campaign in Germany, one who proved he can perform at the highest level of European football.

Chelsea faces a decision of its own. The club can reintegrate Jackson into its squad, attempt to sell him to another club at a price they find acceptable, or explore yet another loan arrangement.

The loan fee Bayern already paid, roughly €16.5 million, does provide Chelsea with some financial cushion regardless of what happens next.