Reece James admits Chelsea’s transfer decision 'surprised' him

Originally posted on Chelsea News | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 5:46 AM ET

Reece James was very open when speaking about Nicolas Jackson’s move to Bayern Munich this summer.

The transfer became a seriously dramatic saga when, at the last minute, it was almost cancelled following Liam Delap’s injury. It did eventually go through (as a loan), and the striker and his agents have spent the time since distancing him from a return to Chelsea.

James “surprised” by Chelsea transfer move

None of that has bothered James, however.

He started by praising the striker, who he said he knew “really well.”

But the full back didn’t deny that Jackson had gone, give he had been first choice striker for two years in a row:

“I was surprised. I didn’t expect him to go. But I think the player wanted a solution and the club wanted a solution as well, I’m not sure how the situation came about. But he’s an amazing player and Bayern have got a super good number 9 in him. And I wish him all the best – just not tonight.”

You can see James speaking in the clip embedded here:

James prepares to take on player he knows really well

James will now be taking on Jackson in tonight’s Champions League game, ironically.

If the Senegal star is deployed wide left (we saw him play there for Chelsea with some success, and Harry Kane is going to be up front) he will be directly facing James, who has been rested and should be ready for a start. The fact he knows him “really well” can only help in this situation.

That’s a battle we can really enjoy. But Chelsea can’t get distracted by this storyline – Jackson is just a minor piece of the Bayern jigsaw puzzle. There are many threats to be worried about. Let’s hope the story tonight is a Chelsea win, and the Jackson drama is forgotten.

This article first appeared on Chelsea News and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: