(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Wed 6 May 2026 7:00, UK

West Bromwich Albion and Josh Maja will soon sit down and discuss what happens next, but an exit from The Hawthorns seems best for all parties.

The Baggies have multiple players who are out of contract this summer, and Maja is one of them, with a full-blown squad overhaul on the horizon.

Some will stay, some will go, and Shilen Patel will have to confer with James Morrison on which players are the best to keep around.

Morrison to make his own calls, as rumours are already circulating about the futures of Maja and Daryl Dike.

Maja has had a turbulent time at West Brom during his three seasons with the club, but an agreed exit may feel right on both ends.

Why Josh Maja exit is best for both parties

West Brom had their chance to sell Maja last summer, coming off the back of what was a great season for the striker on an individual level.

The only issues that the Nigerian had were fitness issues, and though they have subsided this term, so has his form.

But now, after a poor season, all things considered, Albion won’t be jumping at the chance to hand Maja fresh terms at The Hawthorns.

As seen in the table above, the 27-year-old only scored four goals, which comes at a rate of 0.23 per game.

He underperformed his expected goal rate by 1.51, but did create a positive 1.23 chances per 90 minutes.

Maja started all 26 Championship games that he featured in last campaign, though he started in less than 50 per cent of 40 matches this time around.

Maja showed a glimpse of his old form when it mattered for West Brom, and that will be remembered by Baggies fans.

However, the former Sunderland star may be on high wages that Albion cannot sustain, and considering his form over the whole season, his performances won’t justify the salary.

The double-edged sword West Brom have with possible Maja exit

Maja would be leaving on a free transfer this summer, if he’s not given a new contract, and it would be a bittersweet feeling.

He once looked like one of the best forwards in the Championship, and arguably was a victim of poor management for large parts of this campaign, like many others.

That’s a reason why it may be hard for West Brom to opt against handing the number nine a new deal, as they know how good he can be on his day.

It would be frustrating to see Maja thrive at another Championship club, even if his exit seems the best move for all parties right now.

Either way, if Albion were to hand him fresh terms, it would most likely be on the request of Morrison, whom we need to trust.