Nicolas Jackson’s career trajectory could have been vastly different had his January 2023 transfer to Aston Villa materialised. Instead, the Senegalese striker stayed at Villarreal, transforming a setback into the foundation for his rise as one of Europe’s hottest forwards before securing a £32 million move to Chelsea.
Jackson recently revealed how close he came to reuniting with former Villarreal manager Unai Emery at Villa Park.
“When Unai left, he wanted me to go to Aston Villa, but I was injured,” Jackson explained.
“I wanted to leave because the coach came in. I had to go, but I was injured a little bit in my hamstring. We went there, they checked and said I needed one more month, and they want me now.
“If they want me in one week, two weeks, I was not ready, so they had to cancel the transfer, and I went back.”
The decision to remain in Spain initially left Jackson frustrated but determined.
“When I went back, I was very angry,” he admitted. “Not angry I didn’t sign because when we were on the plane, I told my friend, ‘Don’t worry, better things will come, and that’s life.’ Then I started working more to play with Villarreal. When I came back, I think I scored 12 goals in two months.”
Jackson’s incredible run of form, including nine goals in his final eight games for Villarreal, put him firmly in the spotlight. Both AC Milan and Chelsea pursued the forward, but it was the Blues who acted swiftly to secure his services.
Reflecting on the experience, Jackson credited the failed Villa transfer as a pivotal moment in his career.
“That’s the most important thing in life, that the people you have near you, especially football players, are people that try to help you to be the best, not do whatever you want,” he said. “I was flying for that two or three months [with Villarreal]. I was scoring every weekend.
“After that, I knew what I had to do to be what I wanted to be. Then I came to Chelsea, and it’s a different club, with the pressure and everything, but now I’m feeling better, and as I’m playing, I’m getting more experience.”