Sliding
Doors - the iconic film directed by Peter Howitt - recently celebrated its
25th anniversary.
It follows Gwyneth Paltrow's character Helen and the two paths her life
could take depending on whether or not she catches a train one day.
Nicolas Jackson was still four years away from being born, but the man
Mauricio Pochettino is pinning his hopes on at Chelsea has already
experienced his very own Sliding Doors moment.
Bournemouth were close to signing the 22-year-old back in January from
Villarreal only for the deal to collapse amid concerns over a hamstring
injury he had suffered. Jackson failed a medical on the south coast.
The Cherries had indeed agreed a £21m fee but with relegation still a
serious possibility, they needed as many fit players as possible and opted
not to gamble on Jackson's fitness.
Had he moved to Bournemouth, would Jackson have predominantly played wide of
Dominic Solanke, once of Chelsea? The player would shake off those concerns
with a blistering end to the campaign for the Yellow Submarine.
Upon his return in March, Jackson was moved into a more central position and
scored 10 LaLiga goals in 11 games as Villarreal finished in fifth place and
secured a Europa League berth. He won May's LaLiga player of the month
award.
Such form has inflated the forward's value to meet his €35m release clause -
although it is thought Chelsea will pay slightly more in exchange for more
favourable payment terms.
Jackson was born and raised in Gambia but represents Senegal. He impressed
in his home nation at ASC Tilene and Casa Sports de Ziguinchor before moving
to Spain in 2019, initially joining Villarreal's Juvenil A.
Having spent time out on loan with Mirandes in Spain's second division, his
breakthrough at Villarreal came under now Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery,
and is considered a forward of great potential.
A red card in early April against Real Sociedad led to a one-game
suspension, while he had previously fallen out of favour under Villarreal
boss Quique Setien, which led to Bournemouth's winter interest.
Southampton, under Sport Republic co-founder Rasmus Ankersen, were also
ready to pounce for Jackson, who progressed through Villarreal's youth ranks
before making his LaLiga debut in 2021.
Chelsea have plunged to strike oil in the desert, with Saudi Arabia emerging
as the coveted destination for ageing fringe players.
Conversely, Jackson has his career in front of him, and his stock has
skyrocketed.
The winger - who made his Senegal debut in November at the World Cup against
the Netherlands - is known for his directness, which is partly the rationale
between Setien only starting him in 33 per cent of Villarreal's games prior
to his hamstring setback.
There was a clash in playing style with Setien's emphasis on a more patient,
progressive approach, but the verticality in his play is something
Pochettino has identified to suit his philosophy and the make-up of his
squad.
The Argentine is recruiting a very versatile forward capable of playing
across the front line.
But given Chelsea's wealth of options on the flanks and absence of a true No
9, even after the arrival of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig, Jackson
could yet emerge as the attacking focal point next season at Stamford
Bridge.
Back in late January, Gary O'Neil was Bournemouth manager, Graham Potter was
still finding his feet at Chelsea while Pochettino was still keeping his
cards close to his chest over his next move in football.
But in standing still, missing the Cherries train, Jackson is now set to
embark on a move that will change the course of his life.
Could Jackson be the next Drogba?
Sky Sports News reporter Mark McAdam on the Transfer Show:
Nicolas Jackson will excite Chelsea fans, absolutely. This is a player who
has huge potential.
He's a focal point No 9, he's got the ability to drop into pockets of space
and link the play. He's hard-working, he's got great technical ability, his
finishing has improved. He's certainly proved in LaLiga he can score goals.
He's versatile, he can press from the front and has all the attributes you
need. The only question mark I would say is whether he needs another step -
would Bournemouth have been a good first step for him? They were so close to
signing him in January.
But I'll say this under my breath - could he be the next Didier Drogba?
Could he be that player for Chelsea?
Patience needed if Jackson joins Blues
Sky Sports' David Richardson:
Chelsea have a desperate need to bring in a new No 9 this summer in a bid to
resolve the goal-scoring issues that mean Diego Costa remains the last
striker to score 20 goals in a season for the club - and that was six years
ago.
Those problems came to a head last season when no player scored more than
nine goals as Chelsea slumped to 12th in the Premier League, exacerbating
the desire to strengthen their forward line.
However, Jackson is not the eye-catching name that many supporters may have
been hoping for this summer.
The 22-year-old, who has one cap for Senegal, was only promoted to
Villarreal's first team on a full-time basis last season, while he would
have joined Bournemouth in January had he not failed a medical.
It's unlikely that Chelsea would have considered a move for Jackson in the
previous window, given his modest record of just three goals in his first 18
LaLiga games of the season.
However, he exploded into life down the stretch, scoring nine in his final
eight matches to help Villarreal to Europa League qualification.
That impressive form at the end of the season means Jackson compared
favourably to Chelsea's crop of forwards during the 2022/23 campaign,
ranking highest for goals and big chances scored per 90 minutes.
However, it must be pointed out that none of Chelsea's forwards performed to
their expected levels last season, while Jackson's numbers for possession
wins and completed passes compare unfavourably to the attacking players
already at Stamford Bridge.
As such, it's unfair to expect Jackson to arrive at Stamford Bridge and
immediately fix Chelsea's issues in front of goal. Don't be surprised to see
the club pursue another No 9 this summer.
Instead, a longer-term view should be taken with Jackson. His hot streak
last season demonstrates his potential, but his lack of experience at the
top level, as well as the room for improvement in aspects of his game, shows
patience may be needed from Mauricio Pochettino and the Blues' fans.
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