Josh Maja has 10 goals for Sunderland in League One this season.
Sunderland fans couldn’t have asked for much more from their start to life in League One.
Jack Ross’ side sit second in the League One table and remain unbeaten in 12 matches – with that success having been spearheaded by young star Josh Maja – who has 1- goals in the third-tier this term.
The academy graduate has been linked with a move away from Wearside on several occasions in the lead up to the January window, but Sunderland’s promotion push could be hinged on whether or not Maja remains with the club.
There is perhaps some inevitability which comes with the Lewisham-born player’s rumoured exit from Wearside, especially with how brilliant Maja has been in the third-tier of English football.
His success has been even more impressive given his age and at 19-years-old, Maja is easily one of the biggest prospects in the country at the moment on the evidence of his current form.
However, it will be majorly important for Sunderland to attempt to tie down their prospect, with a potential exit resulting in the former Premier League regular’s promotion chances being severely lessened.
The young striker has proved on several occasions how important he is so far this season and that was evident last weekend when Maja got an equalising goal which got Sunderland out of the woods after an uninspiring home draw with Wycombe Wanderers.
If Maja was to leave Wearside, Ross’ side would be then forced to rely on Charlie Wyke and Duncan Watmore, both of whom will take time to return to their best after long-term injuries.
Without Maja’s influence, they would not be in second place in the league, with the next highest scorer being Chris Maguire on five goals – a wide player – yet more evidence of exactly why Sunderland have to do everything to keep their star man.
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