Aston Villa striker Nicolas Jackson has been told to leave the club for “another challenge” in either 2028 or 2029.

The Senegal international left Chelsea to join Unai Emery’s side for €55.5 million in August and he has enjoyed an excellent start to life at Villa Park, scoring seven goals in just 11 games since his arrival at the club.

Jackson has immediately formed an impressive attacking relationship with fellow summer signings Johan Manzambi and Ibrahim Mbaye, and large swathes of Villa fans already believe he is an upgrade on Ollie Watkins, who left the club to join Al-Hilal over the summer.

However, former Senegal defender Mohamed Sarr has told his compatriot to leave Aston Villa for a European giant within the next few seasons.

“A player who's already reached this level means he's incredibly talented. Now, at Chelsea and Bayern, perhaps he wasn't surrounded by the right people. At Aston Villa, he seems to be with teammates who are constantly looking for him. That could explain his effectiveness,” Sarr admitted to Africa Foot.

“There are many things that happen in big transfers that outsiders don't understand. He's at a club, not a top one, but one that allows him to showcase his talent.

“If tomorrow there's another transfer from Aston Villa to another top club, he'll be better prepared. He needs to spend two or three seasons at Aston Villa before another challenge.”

Sarr added: “You know, a striker needs confidence, an environment where he feels important. I think that's what he's found at Aston Villa, which allows him to be effective. Now, I imagine there's a huge amount of work behind all of this. I hope he keeps it up.

“A striker of his calibre, who aspires to be the spearhead of Senegal and of such an English club playing in the Champions League, is judged on his performances every weekend. That's how it is at the highest level, always a constant cycle of starting over and questioning himself. He needs to keep this momentum going, and I wish him every success.

“We've often criticised him for his lack of effectiveness, but if he finds that effectiveness, he deserves praise. At the highest level, there are no feelings, you just work, and I hope he continues at Aston Villa and with Senegal.”

Why Nicolas Jackson is the perfect signing for Man Utd

Jackson has plenty of critics in English football, but his raw attributes are immense and Manchester United were among his admirers before his permanent switch to Aston Villa.

Benjamin Sesko has struggled with injury problems throughout his time at Old Trafford, Joshua Zirkzee simply isn’t good enough to be the club’s first choice striker, while neither Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo are best-suited to playing as a lone forward.

Jackson would therefore be an excellent signing amid Man Utd’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements.

The ex-Chelsea man is one of the best strikers in world football in regards to his link-up play, he runs the channels extremely well and he is a constant nuisance for centre-backs. In addition, he appears to have become more reliable in front of goal this season.

Data analytics experts SciSports believe that Jackson would immediately become Man Utd’s best player if he were to join the Red Devils, and while Villa will undoubtedly be reluctant to sanction a sale, he would be the perfect signing for Michael Carrick’s side.