Josh Maja can’t have his contract extended at West Brom – here’s why
Josh Maja is out of contract at West Brom this summer.
There have not been any indications from The Hawthorns club that Maja is set to earn an extension in the near future.
Things can change quickly in football though, and a new deal could be agreed before the end of the season if West Brom want to keep him around.
However, Bilkul Football should avoid agreeing terms with the 27-year-old, as he has not been able to replicate his form from last season.
What does the data say about Maja’s form at West Brom?
Maja has just one goal and one assist in 29 Championship appearances, but only eight of those matches have been in the starting line-up.
He has scored at a rate of one goal every 956 minutes in the second-tier this season, per Sofascore, which is not good enough.
The Nigerian forward has missed four big chances across the campaign, which suggests that he is not making enough opportunities.
He takes an average of 14.2 touches, which means that when he gets on the pitch, he is not having the required impact.
He has completed just 0.3 dribbles per game, for a success rate of just 50 per cent, which indicates that he does not have the ability to take on his man.
One of the most damning statistics is the fact that Maja wins just 38 per cent of his ground duels and 34 per cent of the aerial battles that he contests.
Why West Brom need to sign a striker in the summer
The Baggies could be set for a significant striker overhaul in the summer transfer window.
Maja’s deal is expiring and he should not be offered new terms, as the data above shows, but he is not the only attacker who could depart.
Daryl Dike’s contract also expires at the end of the campaign, and there have been no reports about a potential extension for the American.
Dike has struggled with constant injury woes in his time in the Black Country, and there are no signs that he has gotten over those as decision time comes for the West Midlands club.
That could leave Albion with just Aune Heggebo for their forward line, which would mean that a new addition is needed desperately, when the market reopens.
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