Josh Maja’s resurgence at West Bromwich Albion has caught the attention of La Liga giants Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo, as both clubs prepare to battle for his signature in the January transfer window. Despite his impressive club form, the Nigerian forward has been conspicuously absent from recent Super Eagles squads, raising questions about his international future.

According to Super Deporte, Real Sociedad have added Maja to their shortlist of attacking targets, but Celta Vigo currently leads the race. The Spanish outfit is reportedly prepared to meet West Brom’s £16 million valuation for the 24-year-old striker, whose performances have reignited the Baggies’ promotion hopes.

Maja has been instrumental in turning West Brom’s fortunes around, scoring pivotal goals that ended an eight-game winless streak. His tally of nine league goals this season includes a crucial equalizer against Luton Town and a match-winning strike versus Hull City. These performances have solidified his reputation as one of the Championship’s most clinical forwards.

A Tempting Move to Spain
The potential move to La Liga presents a significant step up for Maja, who previously experienced top-flight football with Bordeaux in Ligue 1. The allure of competing in one of Europe’s elite leagues could be hard to resist, especially for a player eager to prove himself on the big stage.

West Brom, however, face a dilemma. Maja remains central to their promotion push, but a £16 million transfer fee might be too tempting to decline, especially given the financial realities of Championship football.

The National Team Puzzle
Despite his club heroics, Maja has not featured for Nigeria since his debut in a 2019 friendly against Ukraine. Head coach Augustine Eguavoen has consistently overlooked him, even during the Super Eagles’ recent AFCON qualifiers. This exclusion remains puzzling to fans and analysts alike, particularly as Maja’s form suggests he could add much-needed firepower to Nigeria’s attack.

As January approaches, the coming weeks could determine whether Maja continues his journey in the Championship or takes his talents to La Liga, leaving Nigeria with even more questions about his international future.