Kieran Maguire explains how unique UEFA rule could block Chelsea selling Nicolas Jackson to Aston Villa

But the two clubs could yet meet at the negotiating table again. With Ollie Watkins subject to Saudi interest, it is no secret that Unai Emery wants to reunite with Nicolas Jackson, and the Blues are open to selling the 25-year-old striker.

Chelsea want £65m for Jackson, and Villa remain his “most viable option” according to BBC Sport. Frustratingly, though, a UEFA rule could end up creating a problem.

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With Chelsea not competing in UEFA tournaments this season, the Blues only have to comply with Premier League regulations. But Villa’s participation in the Champions League means they must follow the European SCR rules.

As explained by Dharmesh Sheth on Sky Sports, there is a “45-day trade rule” in the UEFA regulations that applies to Chelsea and Jackson.

“If a deal happens within 45 days of each other between two clubs, permanent deals, UEFA would deem that to be a swap deal.”

The Chelsea Chronicle have spoken exclusively to football finance expert Kieran Maguire, who explains why Villa will be reluctant to sign Jackson.

“In the UEFA SCR rules, the 45-day rule does have an impact. It doesn’t in the Premier League; it’s not treated in the same way for Premier League purposes,” Maguire said.

“I think from Aston Villa’s point of view, they would rather not have a swap with another club because they do need to book some profits for their UEFA SCR compliance.

“The Rogers to Chelsea deal delivers well over £100 million worth of profit, which is certainly going to help them.

“If they take Jackson in the other direction, it’s going to substantially reduce and effectively wipe out that profit, which could make it more difficult for them to comply with the negotiated arrangement that they have with UEFA.“

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Aston Villa’s UEFA agreement could stop Nicolas Jackson deal

So because Chelsea have traded with Aston Villa in the last 45 days, any transfer deal for Jackson would go down in UEFA’s books as a ‘trade deal’, wiping away Villa’s profits from Rogers.

As pointed out by Maguire, Aston Villa have already been fined £19.4m by UEFA for breaching their SCR regulations in 2025.

As part of their agreement with UEFA, Villa have to “significantly decrease their squad-cost ratio in 2026”.

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Essentially, Villa are already on thin ice with UEFA, and a deal for Jackson would only harm their financial standing under the European rules.

Thankfully for Chelsea, there is also interest in Jackson from Atletico Madrid, and it seems the Blues may have to explore that avenue as Villa could walk away from the deal.