Josh Maja: Writing a new chapter with Le Havre
Still just 27, Josh Maja's peripatetic career looks to be coming full circle as he returns to Ligue 1 McDonald's with Le Havre. Read more in our latest One to Watch
English roots with Nigerian heritage
Born in the London suburb of Lewisham to Nigerian parents, Maja had an intinerant career as a youngster, spending time on the books of Crystal Palace, Manchester City and Fulham before finally breaking through in England's northeast with Sunderland.
After playing a very minor role in the 2016-17 season in which Sunderland were relegated from the top flight, and being more involved in the Championship, he came into his own in 2018/19 in League One, netting 15 times in 24 league matches and catching the ambitions of Bordeaux, who were struggling against relegation.
64' Josh Maja.
C'est tout. C'est le tweet. [3⃣-0⃣] #FCGBGF38 pic.twitter.com/Pykub0cwjn— FC Girondins de Bordeaux (@girondins) April 24, 2023
Hot and cold with Bordeaux and an English return
While injuries and form curtailed his initial spell with the club, after successive loan spells with Fulham and Stoke, he came into his own on his return to the club in 2022/23, joining a young side that included the likes of Dilane Bakwa and Zuriko Davitashvili, as his goals helped power Les Girondins to within a goal of immediate promotion.
He then returned to England, spending three injury-hit seasons with West Bromwich Albion in the Championship. While he impressed in 2024/25 when fit, scoring 12 times in 26 appearances, he is still yet to realize the potential he previously showed.
🏟️👋 pic.twitter.com/j8T97cL9mS
— Havre Athletic Club ⚽️ (@HAC_Foot) July 31, 2026
Ligue 1 Redux
Looking to resurrect his career after a frustrating third season at the Hawthorns, Maja has now joined Le Havre on a one-year contract with an option for a further year. While the likes of veteran Tanzania international Mbwana Samatta and youngster Joan Tincres will provide plenty of competition, there is also ample opportunity for Maja to establish himself as a target man under ambitious manager Didier Digard, making him One to Watch for the upcoming season.
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