Aston Villa‘s Nicolas Jackson has settled in quickly at the Premier League side and is showcasing his qualities thanks to his new teammates.
The Senegal international first moved to the UK when Chelsea signed him from Villarreal in 2023. After managing 30 goals and 12 assists from 81 matches, the Blues sent him on loan to Bayern Munich last summer.
Jackson finished with 11 goals and four assists, but that wasn’t enough for Bayern Munich to make his stay permanent. This allowed Aston Villa to sign him permanently towards the end of August.
After the past two mixed seasons at Stamford Bridge and the Allianz Arena, the striker is now enjoying life with the Villans.
Aston Villa move going well
The Europa League winners had to overcome competition from Atlético Madrid to sign the 25-year-old.
Two months ago, Sport Witness covered a report from Spain explaining that Unai Emery was key to his arrival at Villa Park. The decision has worked out well for both parties.
Nicolas Jackson has scored seven goals from 11 matches so far for Aston Villa. Former Senegal international Mohamed Sarr spoke to Africa Foot about the frontman’s good start with the Villans.
“A striker needs confidence, in an environment where he feels important. I think that’s what he’s finding at Aston Villa, which allows him to be effective. Now, I imagine there’s a huge amount of hard work behind all of this. I hope he keeps it up,” he said.
“A striker of his calibre, who aspires to spearhead Senegal and an English club playing in the Champions League, is judged on his performances every weekend. That’s how it is at the highest level, always starting over and constantly questioning himself. He has to keep this momentum going, and I wish him every success.”
“We’ve often criticised him for his lack of efficiency. But if he’s finding that efficiency, then he deserves to be congratulated. At the highest level, there are no feelings, you just work. I hope he continues at Aston Villa and with Senegal.”
What next for Aston Villa star
Mohamed Sarr explained why his compatriot is starring for Aston Villa. This in return can help him in a possible big move in the future.
“A player who has already reached this level means he is incredibly talented. Now, at Chelsea and Bayern, perhaps he wasn’t around the right people,” Sarr explained.
“At Aston Villa, he seems to be with teammates who are always looking for him. This could explain his effectiveness.”
“There are many things that happen in big transfers that people on the outside don’t understand. He’s at a club, not a top one, but one that allows him to showcase his talent. If tomorrow there’s another transfer from Aston Villa to another top club, he’ll be better prepared. He needs to spend two or three seasons at Villa before another challenge.”
Nicolas Jackson has a contract with Unai Emery’s side until 2031. This puts the Villa Park club in a comfortable position if there’s an approach from a big club in the upcoming windows.
