Newcastle would have two problems to solve if they completed Nicolas Jackson transfer

As Newcastle United regroup following Benjamin Šeško’s apparent decision to join Manchester United, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has emerged as a potential alternative.

However, the Magpies would inherit two significant complications should they pursue the Senegalese striker – an immediate suspension and prolonged international absence that could disrupt their season before it even begins.

Jackson’s pending one-match Premier League ban presents an inconvenient start to any potential St. James’ Park tenure.

The 23-year-old must serve the remainder of a three-game suspension carried over from last season’s fiery encounter between these same clubs, where his red card contributed to Chelsea’s defeat.

This means Eddie Howe would be deprived of his new attacking option for the crucial opening fixture against Aston Villa on August 16th – hardly the ideal scenario for a club needing instant impact from their striker investment.

The Africa Cup of Nations commitment looms as an even greater concern. Jackson’s expected participation with Senegal could see him miss up to six Premier League matches during the tournament’s December-January window, potentially including key Champions League fixtures should Newcastle progress in Europe.

This absence would leave the Magpies dangerously reliant on Alexander Isak’s fitness during the season’s most congested period – a gamble given the Swedish striker’s own injury history.

These complications arrive at a time when Newcastle can ill afford missteps in the transfer market. While Jackson’s potential availability represents an opportunity to acquire a talented forward with Premier League experience, the Magpies must weigh whether his enforced absences undermine the very reason for signing him – to provide consistent competition and cover for Isak.

The Chelsea man’s raw attributes are undeniable, but the practical realities of his suspension and international duties could see Newcastle paying premium wages for a player unavailable during critical phases of their campaign.

This dilemma encapsulates the broader challenges facing Newcastle’s recruitment strategy. With Šeško opting for Old Trafford and alternatives like Ollie Watkins carrying exorbitant price tags, Jackson represents both an opportunity and a risk.

His 14-goal debut Premier League season demonstrated flashes of brilliance mixed with frustrating inconsistency – a profile that might flourish under Howe’s coaching, but only if actually available for selection.

The coming days will reveal whether Newcastle’s hierarchy view these obstacles as manageable trade-offs or deal-breaking complications.

One thing is certain – in the high-stakes world of Premier League recruitment, every variable counts, and Jackson’s unique circumstances add layers of complexity to what already promised to be a pivotal signing for the Magpies’ ambitions.