WALSALL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Carlos Corberan Head Coach of West Bromwich Albion during a press conference after first team training at West Bromwich Albion Training Ground on September 19, 2024 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Adam Fradgley/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images)
“Unbelievable business” – Pundit tips West Brom to agree January deal
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 re-opens in the new year – with a €20 million (£17m) fee touted.
Maja has proven himself as a key part of Carlos Corberan’s first-team squad this season, bagging nine goals from 15 appearances in the Championship.
The Nigeria international is the second top scorer in the entire division, making him a crucial part of the club’s promotion ambitions for this year.
Maja’s contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2026, meaning there is no immediate need to cash in on the forward, who signed as a free agent from Bordeaux in 2023.
Palmer has praised the impact that Maja has had on West Brom’s positive start to the season.
However, he feels it will be difficult for the Baggies to turn down an offer in the region of £17 million if one does arrive 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 told Football League World.
“Both looking for £17 million.
“West Brom signed him on a free transfer, so this would be unbelievable business for the football club, to get that type of money for him.
“I think it’s a fee that they wouldn’t be able to turn down.
“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 difficult circumstances, and this is the problem that sometimes comes with 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.”
