Chelsea extend Nicolas Jackson’s contract – striker handed deal until 2033
BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk
Nicolas Jackson has signed a new contract keeping him at Chelsea until 2033.
The striker, 23, has added another two years on to his Blues deal, just 12 months after arriving from Villarreal in a £32million switch.
Jackson follows talisman Cole Palmer is committing until 2033, with the England international’s contract extension announced just before the Premier League season started.
The Senegal frontman netted in Sunday’s 1-1 derby draw against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said: “I’m very happy. Nicolas is doing a fantastic job with us, on and off the ball. He scored already two goals [this season]. He scored again today (Sunday). He had another two chances but we are happy with him.”
The west Londoners were interested in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen at the end of the summer transfer window.
Maresca has insisted that the Blues always had belief in Jackson.
“I have faith – and the club also,” said Maresca. “Not because we are looking for another striker – not that we don’t trust Nicolas. We trust Nicolas.
“I said last week when the transfer window was still open – he is doing fantastic with us. I am very happy with him.”
Chelsea signed Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United on Friday with an obligation to buy next summer for a fee between £20-25m.
There were also outgoings on deadline day with three loans.
Raheem Sterling, 29, has joined Arsenal for the remainder of this season with centre-back Trevor Chalobah and striker Armando Broja making temporary switches to Palace and Everton respectively.
Chelsea are 11th after sharing the spoils with the Eagles, who equalised through a quality Eberechi Eze finish.
“We completely deserved to win the game,” said Maresca. “We had many, many chances. The most important thing was the performance and the performance was there. We conceded just two shots.
“We didn’t take the three points but playing the way we did today, I think we will win games. The direction is the right one.”
Palace boss Oliver Glasner admitted that Will Hughes was lucky not to be sent off. The midfielder had already been booked when he produced a clumsy foul on Palmer.
Hughes was swiftly replaced.
“He (Glasner) said that so what can I say?” said a smiling Maresca. “In that moment we were 1-0 up still – the game completely changes to 11 v 10.
“The referee saw it in a different way so now there is nothing that I can do.”
Chelsea resume Premier League commitments at Bournemouth on September 14 (8pm).