French Ligue 2 side Bordeaux have announced the departure of Nigerian striker, Josh Maja, after the expiration of his contract this week.
The 24-year-old spearheaded the team’s efforts to seal an instant return back to Ligue 1 last season, scoring 16 goals in the second tier as David Guion’s men narrowly missed out on promotion in bizarre circumstances.
Before his contract expired, he had been the subject of interest from France and beyond for a free transfer this summer, while Bordeaux owner Gerard Lopez said that they wanted to keep Maja ahead of the 2023/24 season.
“We had discussions,” Lopez told France Bleu, via Girondins4ever.
“We really like Josh, he was also important during the season. He is a player who has opportunities elsewhere.
“We made a proposal, it’s not finished yet, but here it is, it may be more complicated. Yes, you could say that I am less optimistic than Stian Gregersen.”
The forward reportedly had an automatic renewal clause in his contract, which would have been triggered had Bordeaux finished in the top two spots in Ligue 2.
Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers are one of the clubs interested in the Nigerian even as they are close to wrapping up a €5m deal for his compatriot, Cyril Dessers.
After breaking onto the scene at Sunderland, Maja joined Les Girondins in January 2019, and would go on to make a century of appearances for the club.
His spell on the banks of the Garonne, punctuated by two loan stints at Fulham and then Stoke, saw him score 29 goals in all competitions.
Credit: punchng.com
