FC Barcelona Monitor Nicolas Jackson Signing From Villarreal

FC Barcelona are investigating the possible signing of Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal.

Ousmane Dembele renewed his contract with the Blaugrana in the summer until June 2024. But according to Mundo Deportivo, top brass at Camp Nou are aware that the Frenchman could possibly be sold at the end of the season to avoid him walking for free.

This means that Barca have to line up alternatives to the World Cup winner, with their search leading them to Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson.

The Senegalese frontman has become a first team player for the 2021 Europa League winners since breaking through from the reserves in October.

In just 11 games, eight of which have been starts, he has scored two goals and provided three assists.

Like Dembele, Jackson’s best position is the right wing, but he can play a wide variety of attacking roles.

What is also interesting from a financial perspective is that Jackson’s contract expires on June 30, 2023 making him a free agent and free to negotiate with whom he wishes from January 1.

To not have to pay a penny for Jackson when the club is currently mired in debts exceeding $1bn is an attractive prospect for Joan Laporta and his board, and his signing shouldn’t require the pulling of any ‘economic levers’ which had to be activated in order to land the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha in the last window.

Barca will not be able to make an approach for Jackson unchallenged, however. According to Mundo Deportivo, Aston Villa are also on the youngster’s list of potential suitors.

The Birmingham Premier League club are now managed by former Villarreal boss Unai Emery, who has reportedly instructed his new employer to act quickly and sign a talent who is beginning to emerge as one of the 2022/2023 season’s breakout stars.

Jackson is next expected to feature for the Yellow Submarine on Thursday when they take on Lech Poznan in the Europa Conference League. After that, Mallorca await at home in La Liga on Sunday with the World Cup fast approaching where Senegal have been drawn against hosts Qatar, the Netherlands, and Ecuador.