New West Brom coach Tony Mowbray nearly signed Josh Maja at Blackburn

Posted : 12 February 2025

West Brom's newly appointed manager, Tony Mowbray, has shared that he was once close to securing the services of Super Eagles forward Josh Maja during his time at Blackburn Rovers. His comments highlight his long-standing admiration for the Nigerian striker, whom he now has the opportunity to work with at The Hawthorns.

Maja, currently sidelined due to a leg injury, has been a key player for West Brom this season. Despite his absence, he remains the club’s top scorer, having netted 12 goals in 26 appearances. His contributions have been crucial in the team’s push for success, and Mowbray is eager to integrate him back into the squad when he returns to full fitness.

Since taking charge at West Brom, Mowbray has inherited Maja as part of his squad and is looking forward to working with the striker. However, he remains cautious about rushing Maja back into action, ensuring that the player makes a full recovery before stepping onto the pitch again. The manager understands the importance of patience in the rehabilitation process to avoid setbacks.

Reflecting on his past attempt to sign Maja for Blackburn, Mowbray emphasized his admiration for the player's abilities. He recalled how close the deal came to completion and expressed his satisfaction at now having the chance to coach him at West Brom. The coach believes that Maja’s playing style and technical skills will be valuable assets to the team.

Mowbray has spoken highly of Maja's footballing intelligence, describing him as a player who is comfortable coming deep to receive the ball while also possessing the finishing instincts to score crucial goals. His technical ability, movement, and composure in front of goal make him an important part of the squad’s attacking setup.

Acknowledging the striker’s excellent season, Mowbray noted that Maja was recently recognized by football pundits as one of the standout players in the English Football League. This recognition further underscores his quality and the impact he can have when fully fit. The manager is keen to get him back on the pitch and working closely with the team.

Maja, who began his career in England with Sunderland and spent time in Manchester City's youth setup, joined West Brom in the summer of 2023 on a three-year deal from Bordeaux. As he continues his recovery, both Mowbray and the club remain optimistic that he will play a key role in their ambitions moving forward.

New West Brom coach Tony Mowbray nearly signed Josh Maja at Blackburn

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