Carlton Palmer believes West Bromwich Albion will not turn down an offer for Josh Maja if their reported asking price is met in the January transfer window.
According to Super Deporte, both Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad are interested in signing the 25-year-old when the market reopens in the new year, with a €20 million (£17 million) fee being suggested.
Maja has established himself as a major member of Carlos Corberan’s first-team squad this season, scoring nine goals in 15 Championship matches.
The Nigeria international is the second highest scorer in the division, making him an important element of the club’s promotion hopes for this year.
Maja’s contract will not expire until the summer of 2026, so there is no imminent need to cash in on the forward, who signed as a free agency from Bordeaux in 2023.
Carlton Palmer gives Josh Maja transfer verdict
Palmer has lauded Maja’s contribution to West Brom’s early season success.
However, he believes it will be difficult for the Baggies to reject a bid in the area of £17 million if one arrives in January.
“West Brom going along nicely in the Championship, their player Josh Maja, who is having a fantastic season so far, [has] interest from Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad,” Palmer explained to Football League World.
“Both are looking for £17 million.
“West Brom signed him on a free transfer, so getting that much money for him would be excellent business for the football club.
“I believe it is a cost that they would be unable to refuse.
“Obviously you can do a lot with £17 million, but if your people know you’re getting £17 million, then they’re going to up the ante if you want to buy a player.
“It’s always challenging circumstances, and this is a problem that occasionally arises during the transfer window.
“He’s doing really well for them, it’s going to be really difficult for them to turn down an offer of that magnitude if that offer actually materialises.”
Josh Maja’s importance to West Brom
Josh Maja’s 2024/25 stats (as of November 21st) – according to Fbref.com
Stat
Per 90
Non-penalty goals.
0.67
Non-penalty anticipated goals (npxG).
0.61
Shots
2.52
Assists
0.07
Expected assist (xAG)
0.13
npxG plus xAG
0.74
Shot-making actions
2.15
Maja made just 12 league games for West Brom in his rookie season, starting only once.
The forward struggled for game time as the squad missed out on promotion after losing in the play-off semi-finals against Southampton.
However, he has established himself as a major member of the team this season, starting every league game thus far.
If Albion are to contend for promotion again this season, keeping someone as valuable as Maja after January could be critical.
West Brom have a major decision to make with Josh Maja
If Real Sociedad or Celta Vigo make a deal of around £17 million, West Brom will find it tough to turn down such an offer.
That might be reinvested back into the team in an effort to replace him, but there is no assurance that someone of his caliber will be able to step in right away.
West Brom will be careful of jeopardizing their promotion chances, especially as the club is already in contention for a top two or top six finish this season.
Daryl Dike’s immediate fitness and form in the coming weeks could be an important factor in their decision-making process, as he is someone who could step into the side if he can regain his best form post-injury.
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