Nicolas Jackson shouldn't be the first name on the chopping block at Chelsea this summer.
While the club is open to offers, the current plan is for the 24-year-old to return from Bayern Munich and get a chance under Xabi Alonso, with the club still rating him internally after his loan spell.
That context matters, because Jackson's exit wasn't purely a footballing decision. It followed a breakdown with Enzo Maresca, and Alonso now deserves the chance to judge him on his own terms.
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Jackson didn't have a season that should force Chelsea's hand either way. He scored 11 goals in 34 games for Bayern across all competitions.
His league numbers add useful context. The official Bundesliga record credits Jackson with eight goals and one assist, which again doesn't settle the debate about his future one way or the other.
And crucially, Chelsea don't need to rush. Jackson's contract runs until 2033, and Bayern's original package was reported at £70.5m, including the loan structure.
There is a squad question to consider. Chelsea have Jackson, Joao Pedro , Liam Delap and Emmanuel Emegha listed as striker options, a surplus given the lack of European fixtures.
But that doesn't automatically make Jackson the odd man out. His ability to play wide sets him apart from a pure number nine, and that kind of flexibility should matter under Alonso.
Chelsea should listen if a huge offer comes in, but moving Jackson on before Alonso's had a proper look would be premature.
He's earned at least that much, a clean break from the past and a fresh evaluation before any final call is made.
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