Chelsea’s valuation of Nicolas Jackson has raised eyebrows across the Premier League, with the Blues reportedly placing an £80 million price tag on the Senegalese striker. This figure, nearly double what they paid Villarreal just a year ago, is said to reflect the club’s belief in his potential, rather than his current output.
According to sources close to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s internal metrics rate Jackson highly due to his work rate, movement off the ball, and projected growth curve under Mauricio Pochettino. Despite a mixed debut season that featured moments of brilliance and inconsistency in front of goal, the club hierarchy sees Jackson as a long-term asset in their rebuilding project.
The decision to assign such a high valuation has naturally sparked comparisons, especially when viewed alongside Manchester United’s supposed valuation of Alejandro Garnacho, who is reportedly valued at just £30 million. The Argentine winger, who burst into the first team under Erik ten Hag, has already made a significant impact with his flair, directness, and important goals in big matches.
This discrepancy in valuation has prompted debate among fans and analysts. Garnacho, at only 20 years of age, has already demonstrated his ability to perform on big stages, including the FA Cup and Premier League, where he has featured prominently against top opposition. His growth trajectory seems just as promising as Jackson’s, if not more so, given his ability to change games with moments of individual brilliance.
Some critics argue that Chelsea’s £80 million valuation of Jackson reflects an inflated market strategy, designed more to protect their investment than to represent true market value. With the transfer window constantly evolving, clubs have increasingly adopted the practice of assigning high valuations to young players to ward off interest or control the narrative in negotiations.
In contrast, Manchester United’s valuation of Garnacho at £30 million feels conservative, especially given the winger’s importance to Ten Hag’s squad and his increasing popularity with fans. While it’s unclear if this valuation is set in stone, it may simply be a reflection of United’s internal bookkeeping rather than a figure they would accept in a serious offer.
For Chelsea, Jackson’s valuation could also be influenced by their recruitment model under Todd Boehly’s ownership, where the emphasis has been on investing heavily in young, high-potential players with long contracts. Jackson, who signed a long-term deal, fits this mold perfectly, and the club might be preparing for a future in which he is a key figure in their attack.
This pricing strategy also comes amid growing speculation around player sales as both Chelsea and Manchester United look to balance their books in accordance with Financial Fair Play regulations. Assigning high values to academy or recent signings helps clubs present stronger positions in the transfer market, whether they intend to sell or not.
While neither Jackson nor Garnacho is expected to be sold this summer, the valuations underscore the way top Premier League clubs view their young talent—not just as footballers, but as financial assets. These numbers will undoubtedly affect any future negotiations involving the two stars, whether in the form of potential suitors or contract extensions.
What’s clear is that both players are still in the early stages of their careers and have plenty of room to grow. Jackson’s dynamic style and Garnacho’s explosive pace offer their respective clubs a glimpse into a future shaped by youthful energy and high ceilings. Whether either truly warrants such valuations will only be proven in seasons to come.
As things stand, fans and pundits alike will continue to debate: is Nicolas Jackson really worth £80 million, and should Garnacho be rated at just £30 million? Or are these figures more about perception and strategy than genuine market