Josh Maja during his time with Sunderland. (Getty Images)
In recent days, speculations surrounding teenager Josh Maja’s future has reached fever pitch levels. According to the Sunderland Echo, a number of Premier League and Championship clubs have been linked with a move for the 19-year-old. Maja’s contract at the Stadium of Light is up in the summer, placing Sunderland in a precarious position this January window.
According to the Bristol Post, Bristol City are interested in signing the young forward. Josh Maja has enjoyed a meteoric rise at Sunderland this season. The Robins have already had scouts watching Maja play this season and the 19-year-old centre-forward has scored 10 goals and provided two assists in 16 League One appearances.
Apart from his superb finishing ability, Maja’s all-round play has also improved. He has played a part in almost a third of Sunderland’s 33 league goals which will be vital in the club’s push for a quick return to the Championship.
Sheffield United are also among the clubs interested in the youngster’s services (h/t Sunderland Echo). The Blades have had an impressive start to their season and are in the promotion picture heading into the busy festive period.
To keep their promotion hopes alive, Sheffield need to strengthen their squad this January. The attack would be an area of interest in the market, explaining their interest in Maja.
Josh Maja is yet to sign a new deal at the Stadium of Light. As things stand, the youngster will be available for cheap and could also sign a pre-contract agreement in January. As he is under 24, Sunderland would be eligible for compensation for his development as determined by a tribunal.
Sheffield United’s current forwards are keeping things rolling. Billy Sharp is enjoying a fine season. David McGoldrick and Leon Clarke are also helping out with the goalscoring burden. However, the pace is a key aspect that has been glaringly missing from Wilder’s current offensive play set up.
A good dribbler capable of taking on players and who has the pace to burn, Maja could provide the spark needed to unlock deep sitting sides. Sheffield United need strength in depth to sustain a promotion to the Premier League challenge.
The youngster, who has a goal from his previous 17 Championship appearances, would offer that at Bramall Lane. Josh Maja has been showing signs of being ready for football at a higher level. Realistically, there are only a few Premier League clubs that would offer a better platform for the player’s development than Sunderland.
At Sheffield United, however, he can get regular minutes to continue his career progress. He’d be a superb squad addition for the Blades, who should aim to sign him.
As he has proved this season, Josh Maja is an able finisher. His addition would transform Sheffield into a real prospect capable of winning the title at the end of the season.
The current contract situation only means that should he elect to quit Sunderland, he will most likely be a low-risk signing for his new side. Signing the young British prodigy ahead of a Championship rival would only increase Sheffield’s chances of winning the promotion race.
