Get to know Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson… The one striker Newcastle United might sign this transfer window

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Nicolas Jackson is a professional footballer who plays for Chelsea but could be joining Newcastle United in the summer transfer window.

Newcastle United’s struggles in the summer transfer window are well documented and there looks to be little improvement a week away from the new season getting underway.

Benjamin Sesko became the latest big target Newcastle watched choose another club over them this week, even though this time they offered a better transfer fee and higher wages than Manchester United.

Eddie Howe has only been able to add Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale to his squad this summer, hardly the high-calibre recruits fans were expecting when Champions League football was secured.

Newcastle have been forced to scratch several names off their striker shortlist, which has left them considering a move for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson.

Here’s what you need to know about him.

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Nicolas Jackson to Newcastle United transfer news

Speculation has surrounded Newcastle and Jackson for much of the summer, but he emerged as a concrete target when it appeared Yoane Wissa would be a no-go.

Wissa could still be signed as Brentford eye a replacement, but Jackson remains a potential signing after Newcastle missed out on Sesko.

Chelsea are said to value Jackson at £80m, which could cause a problem as Newcastle reportedly only want to pay around £60m.

Enzo Maresca has suggested Jackson could leave the club, opening the door for Newcastle to make the signing, with Bayern Munich rubbishing rumours linking them with the player.

What position does Nicolas Jackson play?

Jackson is primarily a centre-forward who loves leading the line and battling with defenders.

However, he does have some flexibility and has played out on the left wing and as a support striker in the past. That versatility would be useful for Howe.

How old is Nicolas Jackson?

Born in Banjul, The Gambia, on June 20, 2001, Jackson is 24 years old as of August 2025.

That is a good age for Newcastle to be signing players, as there is still room for them to grow and improve, but Jackson already has ample top-level experience.

Nicolas Jackson height

Jackson stands at 6’2″ tall, making him a physically imposing striker who has great pace as well as the ability to battle hard against burly centre-backs.

If able to play with the 6’4″ Alexander Isak, Newcastle would possess a towering strike force.

How much did Chelsea pay for Nicolas Jackson?

Though Jackson had a release clause in his contract at Villarreal of £30.1m, Chelsea paid slightly more to the Spanish club in exchange for favourable payment terms.

It’s reported that the final fee for the Senegalese striker was around £31.8m-£32m. Now Chelsea are aiming to double their money on him.

Nicolas Jackson salary

According to SalarySport, Jackson earns a hefty £120,000 a week at Stamford Bridge, which works out at over £6.2m a year.

That level of salary would instantly put Jackson among Newcastle’s best-paid players.

Nicolas Jackson stats

Jackson’s career stats for his three clubs and his country so far.

Nicolas Jackson Instagram

Jackson has a massive following on his official Instagram account, @jackson.nj11.

He does not appear to have a public-facing X, formerly Twitter, account.

Praise for Nicolas Jackson

Alan Shearer expected Chelsea to sell Jackson after beating Newcastle to the signings of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.

However, the Newcastle legend is a fan of Jackson. He said on BBC’s Match Of The Day in January: “I like him.

“I think he’s improving. I know he misses chances, a lot of chances, actually. He had 14 goals last season. He’s got nine Premier League goals this season. I think he is getting better.

“There’s lots to admire about his game. I like his attitude. He keeps getting in there despite missing chances. He’s not scared or frightened.

“He stretches teams and makes it easier for his teammates with his running in behind, which creates the space for Cole Palmer.

“He has to keep on improving and working on the training ground to improve that. There’s no doubt he’s a threat.

“There’s lots to his game to admire. He just had to keep improving on the finishing and the work on the training ground, and he’ll get better. Eventually he’ll get there.

“He’s only 23, so there’s still plenty of time to improve. The big thing for me is that I love his attitude. He’s not scared to keep getting in there. You’ve got to keep on doing that.”

However, Shaka Hislop believes Newcastle can do better than Jackson.