CHELSEA have completed the signing of Senegal international Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal, moments after the English club confirmed the sale of Reuben Loftus-Cheek to AC Milan.
The long-term deal for the Teranga Lions forward is believed to be worth €38m in transfer fee and add-ons.
“Chelsea is pleased to announce the signing of Nicolas Jackson from Spanish side Villarreal,” the Premier League side announced tonight.
“The Senegal international has signed an eight-year contract following a breakout 2022/23 campaign in LaLiga in which he struck 12 goals.”
Chelsea co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “We are excited to welcome Nicolas to Chelsea. He is a young player with big potential, as he showcased for Villarreal last season.
“We believe he is ready for this next step in his career and look forward to him working with our new head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, and his Chelsea teammates.”
Born in The Gambia, Jackson grew up in neighbouring Senegal and chose to play international football for the Lions.
The 22-year-old forward began his club career at Senegal Premier League side Casa Sports before a move to Villarreal in September 2019.
Jackson ended the 2022/2023 campaign as LaLiga’s most in-form player, scoring nine goals in the final eight matches of the season and winning the Player of the Month award for May.
Shortly before announcing the arrival of Jackson as their first senior signing of the summer, Chelsea confirmed the departure of academy product Loftus-Cheek.
“After 19 years as a Chelsea player, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has left the club and completed a permanent transfer to AC Milan,” the club announced.
“Loftus-Cheek joined Chelsea as an Under-8 and enjoyed sustained success during his time in the Academy. The midfielder won the FA Youth Cup and the UEFA Youth League before his elevation to the senior squad during the 2014/15 season.
“He made his debut as an 18-year-old against Sporting in the Champions League and scored his first senior goal against Scunthorpe shortly before his 19th birthday.
“A dedicated professional and a friendly and popular person throughout Cobham, Loftus-Cheek departs having made 155 appearances – in which 13 goals were scored – and with Premier League, Europa League and UEFA Super Cup winner’s medals.”
