David Ornstein has just revealed in an exclusive that Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has agreed a contract extension at Chelsea, signing off on a deal which will keep him at the club until 2033.
His terms “included an option to prolong,” which makes it sound more like an option has been triggered rather than the forward “agreeing” to anything, but it amounts to the same thing really. Ornstein adds that the former Villareal man is “seen as key to [Chelsea’s] attacking core,” and they are really showing that faith by giving him a raise just 12 months after signing him from La Liga.
Of course, there’s not that much footballing sense in handing out 9 year deals, especially if you’re going to incrementally upgrade them every year, as has happened here, but we’re sure there is a sensible accounting reason for it.
🚨 EXCL: Nicolas Jackson agrees contract extension at Chelsea, committing to Stamford Bridge until 2033. Senegal international’s terms included option to prolong + now secured for next 9yrs. 23yo seen by #CFC as key to central attacking core @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/BUblCZgFLW
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 1, 2024
Jackson ready for another season of graft
It’s surely only a coincidence that this has happened just after the close of a transfer window which has seen the club search high and low for a capable alternative or replacement for Jackson – and come up short.
He starts today as the only senior striker in the whole squad, with Marc Guiu left out entirely. That is a stark reminder of the pressure on him to perform this season (once again). This contract is well earned, and it shows (along with our bench today) how much influence Jackson now has. It was a similar story last season, with Armando Broja out for long periods and the Senegal striker having to take on a huge number of minute.
Questions about our policy of handing out new contracts to players who do well are best saved for another time. Managing wage bills is a separate argument – on effort and performance along, Jackson has earned a pay rise.
