Officially presented to the press this Monday, Xabi Alonso took advantage of his first conference as a coach to discuss several important issues regarding his squad. One of the key topics was the situation of Nicolas Jackson. The Senegal international, whose future has sparked numerous speculations in recent weeks, received a reassuring message from the Spanish coach. While not promising a starting position, Xabi Alonso clearly indicated that he wanted to personally evaluate the striker before making a final decision on his role within the team.
Asked by journalists, the former midfielder of Real Madrid and Liverpool confirmed that Nicolas Jackson would indeed be part of the squad selected for the summer tour in Asia. This is a crucial step in the preparation that will allow the new coaching staff to assess their entire squad in competitive conditions. “He will join the tour we are starting in Asia, and we are excited to begin with him at that time,” Xabi Alonso said, a statement that reflects his desire to give the Senegalese player a chance before drawing conclusions.
This statement puts an end, at least temporarily, to the many rumors suggesting a possible departure for Nicolas Jackson this summer. In recent months, several European clubs have been linked to the Senegalese striker, with some media even mentioning a sale considered by his club. However, Xabi Alonso’s words show that nothing is decided yet. The new coach prefers to observe the player on the field, day in and day out, before defining his attacking hierarchy.
For Nicolas Jackson, this Asian tour is much more than just a series of friendly matches. It’s a real opportunity to convince his coach that he has the qualities needed to play an important role during the 2026-2027 season. In preparation, every training session, every minute played, and every performance will be closely scrutinized by the coaching staff, who are looking to build a competitive and balanced team.
The Senegal international knows that competition will be particularly fierce in attack. To earn Xabi Alonso’s trust, he must be effective in front of goal, but also show his ability to participate in collective play, press opposing defenders, and meet the tactical demands of the new coach. These are precisely the elements that will allow the Spanish coach to assess if Jackson can establish himself in his sporting project.
Beyond his finishing skills, Nicolas Jackson has attributes that could impress Xabi Alonso. His speed, physical power, ability to make runs in behind, and sense of positioning are all sought-after traits in modern football. If he can show more consistency and realism in front of goal, he could quickly win points with his coach.
Senegalese supporters will follow this summer tour with great interest. Nicolas Jackson remains one of the key attacking assets for the Lions of Teranga, and a successful club season would be fantastic news for the national team. Every good performance could boost his confidence and help him approach the upcoming international fixtures in the best possible conditions.
Xabi Alonso on Nicolas Jackson 🇸🇳 :
“He will join our pre-season tour in Asia. I look forward to working with him during this period.” pic.twitter.com/OVWIABmGeF
— 13football_com (@13footballC) July 13, 2026
By expressing his desire to observe Nicolas Jackson before making any decisions, Xabi Alonso sends a clear message: no player will be judged based on their past or transfer market rumors. On-field performances will be the only criterion. The Senegalese striker now has the perfect opportunity to prove his worth and convince his new coach that he fully deserves his place in the plans for the upcoming season.
