West Ham will make a move for Josh Maja this week, but are set to send him back to Wearside on an 18-month loan deal which will please all parties, according to the Sunderland Echo.
The 16-goal forward has been sensational for the Black Cats this season, but he’s thus far refused to sign a new deal with the club. His current terms expire in the summer at which point he’s free to walk away.
Various clubs have been linked with a move for him this January, with Sunderland stuck between wanting to keep him for their promotion run in, but not wanting to lose out if he goes for nothing in the summer.
It seems as though the Hammers have the perfect solution, aware that Maja is best served by staying put, they’re set to give Jack Ross the sort of deal every manager wants; money to spend but also keeping the player in question.
The 20-year old has been linked with Celtic and Rangers in Scotland, Leicester and Crystal Palace in the Premier League to name but two. The Hammers are sure to move into pole position now with the attractive return deal.
Jack Ross commented on a possible loan back last week, saying: “It’s a potential option, a potential solution if you like. If he did go, then naturally we have to find a replacement at a time when we’re also looking to strengthen in that area.
“I’ve had a similar situation with Lewis Morgan who signed for Celtic in January and was loaned back to St Mirren. It was a perfect scenario for me at that juncture. So it’s something, because of Josh’s age and how any purchasing could would view him, that it could be a potential option for us.”
Our View
This deal would be great for Maja and Sunderland. It gives him the chance to keep developing under the current conditions. He’s clearly thrived for the Black Cats this season and his interests are best served playing regular football.
It sees West Ham own the player and they can watch him progress playing senior football, without the fear of stagnating in the Under 23 squad.
Boro will have their work cut out matching that deal.
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