Nicolas Jackson Could Be Liverpool’s Striker Pivot if Isak Deal Fails

As Liverpool’s summer takes shape under Arne Slot and the Michael Edwards–Richard Hughes axis, pursuing Alexander Isak remains an open ambition that will be resolved only once Darwin Nunez has been sold. But with Newcastle digging in, Profit and Sustainability whispers swirling, and no guarantees of player willingness to push for a move, the Reds may again find themselves forced into a second lane of targets. While Jhon Durán represents a raw, athletic wildcard from the Saudi Pro League, another name closer to home could yet prove to be the most realistic fallback: Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea.

He’s erratic, he’s frustrating, and he’s still rough around the edges — but that might be exactly why Liverpool should look again. Under different guidance and in a more structured attacking system, the 22-year-old may offer an efficient, high-upside solution to a short-term problem. The fact that form has been sporadic at the Bridge will be more due to the setting than the components within. Where once Daniel Sturridge was a frustrated figure in the capital; his move to Merseyside once created a brilliant career under the Anfield lights.

Jackson’s first two seasons at Chelsea were, in many ways, a microcosm of the entire club: talent in abundance, but identity in crisis. The Senegalese striker bagged a respectable number of goals in all competitions but often drew criticism for wayward finishing and unpredictable decision-making in key moments, much like Darwin of Liverpool. But strip away the Stamford Bridge confusion and there’s something undeniably intriguing in Jackson’s profile and his signing should not be dismissed out of hand.

He’s rapid, presses with intent, and operates best on the shoulder of the last defender — attributes that Arne Slot prizes in his striker. Unlike Darwin Núñez, Jackson offers more composure when combining through central lanes and has proven he can link play with runners from deep. While his inconsistency is undeniable, so is the raw potential, and Liverpool’s track record with refining chaotic attackers (see: Mané, Salah, Jota) shouldn’t be ignored here, especially under a world-class coaching model.

What’s more, Jackson’s versatility to work wide-left in a pinch or stretch defences vertically offers flexibility that fits neatly into Slot’s system of rotations and structured overloads. Liverpool isn’t necessarily looking for a pure No. 9 to hog the six-yard box — they’re building an attack around movement, technical chemistry, and layered positioning. Jackson, with guidance, could evolve into a disruptive force within that puzzle. How PSG tore through teams in the Champions League this past season, inclusive of the Reds, will surely have intrigued Slot and he will surely want to create his attack of world beaters.

Much like the situation with Durán, this move hinges not only on Liverpool’s readiness but on the selling club’s intentions. Chelsea, now entering another era of overhaul under Enzo Maresca, is reportedly targeting a new marquee striker to add to another recent addition, Liam Delap. That, coupled with their desire to continually sign new assets may leave Jackson vulnerable to being sacrificed.

For Liverpool, who are surgical in their opportunism, this presents a potential opening. Jackson isn’t likely to cost nine figures, wouldn’t command astronomical wages, and arrives Premier League-ready. Importantly, his underlying metrics — xG, progressive runs, pressing actions — all rank highly across the division. With a better supply chain and clearly defined responsibilities, the chaos could become clarity and the promise could quickly become output. Edwards has always thrived in these murky waters — identifying talent that just needs the right container to succeed, especially when the deal suits all parties and lessens the chase.

The beauty of the Jackson option lies not in elite certainty, but in profile alignment that fits past wants. He may never be Isak — a technically smooth, graceful conductor — but he doesn’t need to be. If Liverpool can’t secure their top target, the next best thing is someone who fits tactically and can be coached into higher efficiency whilst being surrounded by elite-level operators.

Jackson could flourish as part of a striker rotation with Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota, giving Slot different tools for different opponents. He doesn’t need to play every game, but when used correctly, he could devastate stretched defences and offer a high-ceiling option against low blocks or in transition-heavy contests. Florian Wirtz has been signed to unlock defences, whereas Jackson could be the man to profit most from undoubted ingenuity.

This wouldn’t be a headline-grabbing arrival, but it could be a case of perfect timing, clear development potential, and one of those under-the-radar moves that Liverpool — at their best — have always executed better than anyone else.

It’s intriguing for all and the month of July promises to be another one to watch.