Why I joined West Bromwich from Bordeaux – Josh Maja

Josh Maja’s decision to join West Bromwich Albion was sealed with just one impactful conversation with the club’s manager, Carlos Corberán.

The 24-year-old striker recently signed a three-year deal at The Hawthorns, marking a new chapter in his career after bidding farewell to French club Bordeaux at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season. Maja’s football journey has been eventful, having represented Sunderland in the past, with loan spells at Fulham and Stoke City in 2021 and 2022 respectively, contributing to his impressive senior career CV.

Maja revealed that it was Corberán’s vision and mentality that convinced him to make the move to B71. The young forward was greatly impressed by the manager’s approach when they spoke, and he eagerly anticipates the opportunity to grow and flourish under Albion’s head coach.

“Playing in France was certainly a fun experience. It’s a completely different style and tempo compared to the United Kingdom, but it taught me a lot,” Maja shared in an interview with the club’s official website. “Last year was probably the best year of my career in terms of consistency, goals, and game time, so it was a great experience overall.”

However, Maja felt the need for a fresh start, having spent an extended period away from the United Kingdom during his time in France. After four-and-a-half years in the south of France, he sought a new challenge that aligned with his ambitions.

When Albion showed interest in him, Maja engaged in a brief but impactful conversation with Carlos Corberán, and that was all he needed to be convinced that he had found the right fit.

“I got a really good energy from him. He’s a serious coach with intense ideas and an intense mentality, which matches up with me and my values,” Maja said. “He’s a football head, which I am as well.”

Maja expressed his excitement to learn from Corberán and showcase his skills on the field. His former teammates who have worked with the coach in the past had only good things to say about him, further solidifying Maja’s decision to join the Baggies.