Stoke City, Watford, and Bristol City need to be on high alert following West Brom’s decision.

Josh Maja Officially Leaves West Brom

Josh Maja is officially available on a free transfer after his spell with West Bromwich Albion came to an end this summer. The striker was unable to reach an agreement over a new contract with the Baggies, bringing his three-year stay at The Hawthorns to a close.

When West Brom released their retained list at the end of the season, the club confirmed that discussions were taking place regarding a possible extension for the 27-year-old. At that stage, there remained hope that an agreement could be reached, allowing Maja to continue his career in the West Midlands.

However, as the summer progressed, the likelihood of a renewal steadily decreased. West Brom strengthened their attacking department with the arrivals of Barney Stewart and Jimmy-Jay Morgan, reducing the need to retain Maja.

Reports eventually confirmed on July 13 that the striker would be leaving the club after both parties failed to reach an agreement over fresh terms.

His departure now presents Championship clubs with an attractive opportunity to sign an experienced striker without paying a transfer fee.

A Mixed Final Season at The Hawthorns

Maja entered last season hoping to build on the encouraging form he produced during the previous campaign.

In the 2024/25 season, the forward scored an impressive 12 goals in just 26 appearances, demonstrating the finishing ability that had once made him one of the Championship’s most dangerous attacking players.

There was optimism that, provided he remained fully fit, he could reproduce those numbers across an entire season and help Ryan Mason guide West Brom into the Championship play-off places.

Instead, both player and club endured a frustrating campaign.

West Brom struggled to reach their expected standards, while Maja found it difficult to establish any real consistency in front of goal.

The striker scored only once in league competition before the middle of March and frequently found himself in and out of the starting lineup.

His season improved slightly after James Morrison took interim charge of the team.

Under Morrison’s guidance, Maja returned to the starting eleven more regularly and responded with three goals across his final seven starts of the campaign.

Although he ended the season on a more positive note, those performances were not enough to earn a contract extension, and his West Brom career has now officially come to an end.

Still a Valuable Championship Forward

Despite an underwhelming final season, Maja remains a striker with proven Championship pedigree.

At 27 years of age, he possesses valuable experience while still being young enough to offer several productive seasons at a high level.

His previous goal-scoring record suggests last season may represent an exception rather than the standard supporters should expect.

For clubs seeking affordable attacking reinforcements, signing an experienced striker on a free transfer represents relatively low financial risk.

Several Championship teams require additional firepower before the new campaign begins, making Maja one of the most interesting free agents currently available.

Three clubs in particular could benefit significantly from bringing him into their squads.

Stoke City Could Offer Familiar Surroundings

Stoke City appear to be one of the most logical destinations for Maja this summer.

The striker is already familiar with the club after spending part of the 2021/22 season on loan at the bet365 Stadium while contracted to Bordeaux.

Although his first spell with the Potters did not produce spectacular numbers, circumstances have changed considerably since then.

During that loan period, Maja scored only two goals in 17 appearances across all competitions.

While those statistics were relatively modest, his development since then suggests he could offer much more if given another opportunity.

Mark Robins is currently searching for greater attacking quality after Stoke experienced significant struggles in front of goal last season.

Rather than relying on recognised strikers, much of the club’s attacking output came from midfield.

Stoke Need Greater Firepower

Sorba Thomas and Million Manhoef finished among Stoke’s leading scorers despite operating primarily from midfield positions.

Among the club’s recognised strikers, Manchester City loanee Divin Mubama was the only player to score more than three league goals.

Even then, three of his five league goals arrived during a single match against Bristol City.

Those statistics highlight Stoke’s need for a more reliable goal scorer capable of consistently contributing throughout an entire campaign.

The club hopes Milan Smit can develop into that player during his first full season with the senior squad.

However, relying entirely on the young striker would represent a significant gamble.

Additional competition and experienced cover remain essential if Stoke hope to challenge higher up the Championship table.

Even after a disappointing campaign, Maja arguably offers greater attacking threat than current options Robert Bozenik and Sam Gallagher.

Robins may therefore believe the striker could rediscover his best form within a fresh environment.

Watford Need Greater Experience Up Front

Watford also appear well placed to consider a move for the former West Brom striker.

The Hornets enter the new season needing to replace last campaign’s leading scorer, Luca Kjerrumgaard, whose successful loan spell ended before he returned to parent club Udinese.

His departure leaves a significant gap within Watford’s attacking department.

Currently, Mamadou Doumbia is expected to begin the campaign as the club’s first-choice striker despite being only 20 years old.

Behind him sits another promising young forward, 21-year-old Vivaldo Semedo.

Both players demonstrated encouraging potential during the previous season and could continue their development throughout the coming campaign.

Nevertheless, asking two relatively inexperienced forwards to shoulder the responsibility of leading the attack carries obvious risks.

Maja Could Provide the Perfect Balance

New Watford manager Alessio Dionisi will almost certainly want a more experienced striker capable of supporting his younger forwards.

Although Maja is only 27, he possesses considerably more senior experience than Doumbia or Semedo.

His arrival would not block the development of Watford’s younger players but instead provide valuable competition while reducing pressure on emerging talents.

The Hornets currently boast one of the Championship’s youngest squads.

Adding players with greater experience could help create a healthier balance throughout the dressing room.

Maja’s recent inconsistency may concern some supporters, but he has already shown he can succeed at Championship level when fully fit and confident.

A fresh start under Dionisi could provide exactly the environment required for him to rediscover the form that produced 12 league goals two seasons ago.

Watford themselves remain something of an unknown quantity heading into the new season, making calculated signings like Maja potentially worthwhile.

Bristol City Continue Strengthening Their Squad

Bristol City represent another club that should strongly consider making an offer.

The Robins have enjoyed one of the Championship’s busiest transfer windows, already completing seven signings as they prepare for the new campaign.

Significant improvements have been made across multiple positions.

Goalkeepers Sam Tickle and Brad Collins have strengthened competition between the posts.

Sam Greenwood has arrived to increase creativity in attacking midfield while competing alongside Scott Twine for the number ten role.

Experienced winger Jed Wallace has also joined, bringing valuable Championship knowledge and leadership to the squad.

Despite that impressive recruitment, one important area still requires further attention.

More Competition Needed in Attack

Michael Skubala’s current striking options remain relatively limited.

Experienced forward Emil Riis is expected to lead the line, while promising 18-year-old Billy O’Neill represents another option following his arrival at Ashton Gate.

Riis offers useful qualities and work rate but has rarely demonstrated the ability to consistently carry the attacking burden for a team targeting promotion or the play-offs.

O’Neill remains an exciting long-term prospect but cannot realistically be expected to shoulder major responsibility so early in his professional career.

Adding another experienced striker therefore appears a logical priority before the transfer window closes.

Maja could provide exactly the profile Bristol City require.

Although he struggled for consistency during the previous season, he has already demonstrated his ability to produce double-digit goal returns at Championship level.

Low-Risk Opportunity for the Robins

If Maja were to score around ten league goals while Riis produced a similar return, Bristol City would possess two capable attacking options competing for places throughout the season.

That healthy competition could ultimately improve standards across the squad while giving Skubala greater tactical flexibility.

Signing Maja would also involve relatively little financial risk.

Because the striker is now available on a free transfer, Bristol City would avoid paying a transfer fee and instead focus their investment on wages and performance-related incentives.

Given the amount of business already completed this summer, adding an experienced Championship striker without a transfer fee would represent smart squad building.

A Free Transfer Worth Considering

Josh Maja may not leave West Brom with the strongest momentum after a difficult final campaign, but his overall Championship record suggests he still has plenty to offer.

At his best, he has proven capable of scoring regularly, leading the line effectively, and influencing important matches.

For clubs seeking affordable attacking reinforcements, opportunities to sign experienced players without paying transfer fees do not arise often.

Stoke City require more goals, Watford need additional experience alongside talented youngsters, and Bristol City still need greater depth in attack.

Each club has different reasons for pursuing Maja, but all three would benefit from adding a striker who has already shown he can succeed in the Championship.

While there are no guarantees he will immediately return to his previous goal-scoring levels, the relatively low financial risk involved makes him an attractive option for ambitious second-tier clubs hoping to strengthen before the new season begins.