Chelsea's Transfer Strategy Shifts as Guiu Recall Looms Amid Jackson and Delap Uncertainties

Chelsea faces a critical decision on Deadline Day as they consider recalling young striker Marc Guiu from his Sunderland loan, complicating plans following Nicolas Jackson's potential exit and Liam Delap's injury setback.

By Chris Posiano

September 1, 2025 at 2:58 AM

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Chelsea is navigating a complex web of transfer decisions as the window approaches its closure, with the potential recall of striker Marc Guiu from his loan at Sunderland emerging as a key consideration. The club’s uncertainty surrounding Nicolas Jackson’s future, coupled with an injury to Liam Delap, has forced a rethink of their attacking options.

Jackson, 24, had previously undergone a medical with Bayern Munich for a £13 million loan deal, which also included a £56.2 million purchase option. However, the agreement was abandoned after Delap sustained a hamstring injury during Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday. The Blues now face a dilemma: whether to pursue a permanent move for Sporting’s Conrad Harder, who has been linked to the club, or explore alternative solutions.

Harder, 20, was reportedly offered a limited role at Chelsea, but the player has already entered advanced talks with RB Leipzig, where he is expected to finalize a move as a replacement for Benjamin Sesko. Meanwhile, Guiu, 19, who joined Sunderland in August, has scored one goal in three appearances but could be recalled to bolster the squad. The potential return of Guiu comes as Enzo Maresca evaluates Delap’s recovery timeline, which could see the striker sidelined for six to eight weeks.

Three scenarios were under discussion: securing Harder while selling Jackson, recalling Guiu, or reactivating Jackson’s return. However, Jackson’s agent Diomansy Kamara publicly dismissed the idea of a reversal, stating, “We are not going back. The plane doesn’t go backwards.” This complicates Chelsea’s plans, as they also aim to offload “bomb squad” players like Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, and David Datro Fofana.

Additionally, Chelsea is close to securing a season-long loan for Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton. Earlier efforts to sign Barcelona’s Fermín López were derailed after he played for Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, leaving the club to pivot toward other targets as the 19:00 BST deadline looms.