Sunderland have been hunting for a clinical striker for life in League One next season, but as of yet have struggled to find their man.
Sunderland start life in League One at the beginning of next month, playing at home to Charlton in the third tier’s opening fixture of the 2018/19 season.
Black Cats boss Jack Ross will be keen to acquire the services of a striker who can ensure Sunderland succeed in their aspiration’s of returning to the Championship at the first time of asking.
However, the manager may have his League One talisman already under his nose, with Josh Maja looking like a player who could be an instant success.
The 19-year-old played his first 90 minutes of pre-season in Sunderland’s 6-0 win away to St Mirren recently, with Maja netting two of the goals against the Scottish side.
The youngster’s brace was certainly impressive, with both goals coming from the player cutting onto his right foot and finishing calmly out of the keeper’s reach – a key strength of the academy graduate.
Maja’s performance against his manager’s former club will be an encouraging one for Sunderland fans, with the player showing a number of key attributes needed for life in League One, including strength on the ball, willingness to run at defenders and most importantly the ability to finish from outside the area.
Maja made his first-team debut in September 2016 against Queens Park Rangers in an EFL Cup match, with the young forward replacing Joel Asoro, a player now departed from Wearside to link up with Championship team Swansea.
And with Sunderland’s sheer lack of senior striker’s at the club, Maja may well have to be given an opportunity earlier than many would have thought. And some fans are already hoping he will become the next Jermain Defoe when it comes to scoring goals for the club.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
