Ex-France striker sends message as West Brom agree deal for Josh Maja signing
Former France striker Jimmy Briand has sent a message to new West Brom signing Josh Maja.
Taking to Instagram, Maja announced his move to the Baggies as a free agent following recent loan spells with Fulham and Stoke City while being a permanent Bordeaux player.
Former Lyon and Rennes star Briand took to the social media platform to congratulate the 24-year-old, with the pair being teammates during their time at Bordeaux.
He said: “Yes siiiiiirrrr. Congrats lol bro. All the best.”
Excitement
Since Maja was announced by the Baggies, the former Manchester City youth player has stirred up a lot of excitement in the fanbase. Many Baggies fans have been worried about the lack of mobility in the transfer window this summer, while their reduced budget has not done much to help matters.
However, the shrewd free signing of Maja could go a long way in appeasing the fanbase for now, and the news is even attracting plaudits from former teammates such as Briand.
The pair shared the pitch while at Bordeaux, where Maja made 93 total appearances in four Ligue 1 seasons and one final Ligue 2 season in 2022/23.
The striker has also earned a lot of experience for someone of his age, with Championship and Premier League minutes under his belt as well as earning a senior call-up to the Nigeria squad in 2019, the Baggies have a quality asset on their books.
With experience in England’s top two divisions, he fits the West Brom player profile perfectly and could prove valuable as the Baggies aim for a playoff spot, especially if he can replicate his Ligue 2 goalscoring rate.
Last season, he tapped home 17 goals in all competitions for the French second-division side. While the Championship is something of a step up from Ligue 2, Maja will hope to use his English football experience and honed goalscoring talent and give West Brom more firepower up top.
Plaudits and well-wishes are always a good sign when a new signing arrives, and the Baggies will hope he can meet expectations.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies could face a significant wage boost if a rumoured ‘big earner’ departs.