Inframe News – Aston Villa have completed the signing of Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £65 million. The 25-year-old has signed a five-year contract with an option for another year, making him the most expensive player in Villa’s history. The transfer was officially confirmed on Friday, August 28, as Villa reshape their attack ahead of the new Premier League season.
Villa are paying an initial £47.5 million for Jackson, with another £17.5 million available through performance-related add-ons. The total package surpasses the club’s previous transfer record. Jackson’s arrival comes just days before the Premier League transfer deadline.
The transfer also reunites Jackson with Villa manager Unai Emery. The pair previously worked together at Villarreal during the 2022-23 season, when Jackson scored 12 goals in 26 La Liga appearances. Emery helped develop the striker before his move to the Premier League.
Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023 for a reported £32 million. He went on to score 30 goals in 81 appearances across all competitions for the London club. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he helped Chelsea win the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup.
His time at Chelsea was also marked by competition for a regular starting position. Jackson struggled at times with finishing and consistency, while disciplinary issues also affected his availability. Last season, Chelsea sent him on loan to Bayern Munich, where he scored 11 goals and won both the Bundesliga and German Cup.
The move to Villa gives Jackson another opportunity to establish himself as a first-choice striker. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso had reportedly not included him prominently in his plans for the new campaign. Jackson had been training separately from the main Chelsea squad before the transfer was completed.
Villa needed a new attacking option after the departure of Ollie Watkins. The England international is moving to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal for a reported £50 million after six seasons at Villa Park. Watkins leaves as Aston Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer with 91 league goals and 108 goals in all competitions.
Watkins’ departure is part of a major squad overhaul at Villa. Morgan Rogers has moved to Chelsea for a British transfer record, while defender Ezri Konsa and midfielder Youri Tielemans have also left the club. Villa have been using proceeds from those sales to rebuild the squad under Emery.
Villa have also brought in experienced former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka on a free transfer. The club are pursuing further attacking reinforcements, including Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Sky Sports reported that Villa had reached a verbal agreement for the 18-year-old Senegal international.
Jackson arrives at Villa after representing Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has earned 37 international caps and is now expected to become an important part of Emery’s plans. His first opportunity to play for Villa could come against Premier League champions Arsenal on Monday.
Villa began their league campaign with a difficult 4-0 defeat against Brighton. The club are now preparing for the visit of Arsenal, with Jackson potentially making his debut only days after completing his record transfer. The new striker joins a squad that is undergoing significant changes before the transfer window closes.
