SAFC bosses face a problem if Maja decides to move on
Josh Maja has been Sunderland’s most valuable player in the first half of the club’s jolly into the third tier of English football, a school of thought underlined by an outrageous outscoring tally; but, make no mistake, the Lewisham-born striker will be hard to replace if he leaves the club.
Whilst speaking to journalists after his side’s draw with Shrewsbury Town, Jack Ross, under the watchful eye of executive director and former PR guru Charlie Methven, explained that Maja had been set a deadline to sign a new deal, with his present contract set to expire in the summer.
Sunderland, I’d imagine, would prefer to sell Maja in January should he decide against putting pen to paper and extending his stay on Wearside.
A sale would allow bosses Methven and Stewart Donald room to manoeuvre in terms of wages available to bring in a quality replacement.
And a quality replacement will be needed.
The former Fulham trainee has notched 14 goals in 21 League One starts this season - at just 20-years-old, his potential has been laid bare for Championship and Premier League teams to see.
It is, however, notoriously difficult to find quality at a reasonable price in January. Donald and Methven may have to pay over the odds and battle big boys Rangers for the man on everybody’s lips: 14-goal Gillingham forward Tom Eaves. And say, hypothetically, that Sunderland did manage to pull off a deal for Eaves or a player of his ilk, could he handle the pressure? This is a huge club to play for, with all respect to Gillingham. Turning out for Sunderland in League One brings with it a huge responsibility with an expectant fan base hungry for promotion, can we find someone that can handle it as well as Maja has? I’m not so sure. Similarly, could the new arrival hit the ground running and fit into Jack Ross’ system? These are all questions which must be considered. As for Maja himself, it’s clear that his footballing development would be best served at Sunderland (see Joel Asoro at Swansea). Maja will also back himself to make the move up to a higher level; his ability - arguably greater than Asoro’s - is clear. And should he decide to follow his ambition, I for one won’t begrudge him.
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