Pedro Neto reacts to Nicolas Jackson’s cryptic message as Chelsea exit looms
Nicolas Jackson could be set to leave Chelsea this summer, and amid the rumours he has sent a cryptic message which caught the eye of Pedro Neto.
Jackson made the move to Stamford Bridge from Villareal two years ago, and despite a couple of false dawns, has failed to live up to expectations.
The 23-year-old’s goal return is far from terrible, finding the net 24 times in his 65 Premier League appearances, as well as picking up ten top-flight assists across his two seasons at the club.
However, Enzo Maresca began to lose his patience with Jackson towards the end of the 2024/25 campaign, and his days could be numbered.
Jackson sends cryptic message
Jackson and Chelsea are currently preparing for the opening game of the revamped Club World Cup in the United States.
The Blues face Los Angeles FC on Tuesday (16 June), before matches against Brazilian side Flamengo and Tunisian outfit ES Tunis to complete their group stage.
Ahead of their clash with LAFC, Jackson took to Instagram to share a mysterious black and white photo, which showed him in his Chelsea training gear.
There was no caption underneath the picture, but teammate Neto liked the post to show support and appreciation for his fellow attacker.
Jackson must fight for his place
Football Insider Verdict
When Chelsea confirmed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich, many fans will have thought that it was the end of the road for Jackson.
Delap scored more Premier League goals than the Senegal international last season, despite playing for an Ipswich side that was comfortably relegated.
| Name | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Jackson | 30 | 10 | 5 |
| Delap | 37 | 12 | 2 |
There is no doubt which of the two is a more established top-flight goalscorer at this point in time, and Maresca is very likely to start the upcoming campaign with Delap at centre-forward.
However, despite there being rumours that Jackson could be leaving Chelsea, this sudden introduction of competition could be exactly what he needs to kickstart his career.
The striker will undoubtedly still get opportunities to showcase his talents next season, and if he is able to grab those moments and show his very best at the right time, then he can still be a success at Stamford Bridge.