Josh Maja decision best for all involved despite nonsensical contract suggestion
Josh Maja's exit from West Bromwich Albion this summer is for the best, despite what some may suggest.
This season is a huge one for the Baggies, who need to ensure that any decisions made are the right ones given how close they came to relegation last time out
James Morrison worked wonders to avoid that becoming a reality, and to carry on that progress, recruitment will play a crucial role this summer.
Not only will Albion have decisions to make in regard to players coming to The Hawthorns, but also those lined up for exits.
Maja is one who fulfils the criteria for the latter, with his contract with the Baggies set to expire in a matter of weeks.
And yet Andy Johnson, via the Express and Star, has urged West Brom to rethink their stance on his future, with the former Baggies star claiming he would like to see the forward sign a new deal.
Why Andy Johnson's claim has no legs behind it
Despite making 40 Championship appearances last term, Maja managed just four goals, while also recording just one assist.
"Would I like Josh to stay? Of course I would!"
Andy Johnson on Maja's future at West Brom
As good as he can be, with a heavy emphasis on can, Maja was nowhere near the required standard for a striker in the Championship last season
Albion can certainly do better, and if they are to get back into the Premier League, which is their ultimate goal, they will need to do better.
With Daryl Dike's exit already confirmed, West Brom will certainly be in the market for attacking reinforcements, and Maja's pending exit will only add to the necessity of that.
Who else it out of contract at West Brom?
Maja and Dike aside, there are several other players due to depart The Hawthorns later this month.
Loanees Hindolo Mustapha and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba will both return to their parent clubs, while Karlan Grant, Charlie Taylor, Jed Wallace and Joe Wildsmith are also out of contract.
None of the above had any real impact for West Brom last season, making the decision to allow their contracts to run out the right one, with a major rebuild likely to be ahead.