Alan Shearer has sparked speculation about Nicholas Jackson’s future at Chelsea, suggesting the young forward could be on his way out following the club’s summer transfer spree. With the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, who has already made his mark with two goals in the Club World Cup semi-final, Jackson’s position at Stamford Bridge appears increasingly uncertain.
Since joining Chelsea two years ago for £32 million from Villarreal, Jackson has delivered modest returns, netting just 10 goals in 30 appearances last season. His struggles have only intensified this summer, as he was benched in favor of Delap after starting the club’s tournament opener. A red card against Flamengo, which rules him out of the Premier League’s opening match, has further dented his prospects.
Shearer, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, didn’t mince words. “I don’t know, am I playing devil’s advocate here in thinking Jackson may be the one? That wouldn’t surprise me if he was sold to someone, whether in our country or not. They’ve got some serious options in every forward position.”
Chelsea’s reputation for offloading players at a profit is well-documented. From Omari Hutchinson to Kai Havertz and Mason Mount, the Blues have consistently turned their squad reshuffles into lucrative deals. Noni Madueke’s potential £52 million move to Arsenal seems to be the next chapter in this trend.
As Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign draws to a close, the focus shifts to their Premier League ambitions. Shearer believes Enzo Maresca’s side has the firepower to challenge the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City for the title. “I do,” he said emphatically. “They’ve been very smart in who they’re signing, and I think there will be more [transfers]. They’ll build on what they’ve achieved this season and go again.”
One player Shearer singled out as pivotal to Chelsea’s title aspirations is Pedro Neto. The 25-year-old has been a standout performer at the Club World Cup, netting three goals and showcasing his direct, powerful style of play. “Neto, I’m a big fan. He’s been impressive on the pitch, even with what he’s had to go through mentally,” Shearer remarked, referencing the tragic loss of Neto’s Portugal teammate Diogo Jota. “He’s someone I’d love to play up front with. For me, he’s one that will and should start.”
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