Nigeria Players Abroad
Josh Maja set to join Le Havre on free transfer after West Brom exit
Former Nigeria striker Josh Maja is close to completing a move to Ligue 1 side Le Havre on a free transfer after leaving West Bromwich Albion.
Reports in France say the 27-year-old has agreed a two-year contract with the Normandy-based club. The proposed deal is also understood to include an option for a further 12 months.
Maja became available this summer after choosing not to accept a new contract from West Bromwich Albion, ending a three-year spell with the Championship club at The Hawthorns.
The striker joined West Brom in 2023 after his contract with French club Bordeaux expired. His time in England was affected by a series of recurring injuries, but he remained an important player for the Baggies whenever he was fit enough to feature.
His most productive season came in the 2024/25 campaign, when he finished as West Brom’s top scorer with 12 goals. However, a serious fitness problem ruled him out for the entire second half of the season.
Injury concerns had already restricted his involvement during his first campaign at the club in 2023/24 and returned again during his final year. Despite those setbacks, Maja scored important goals under manager James Morrison as West Brom successfully fought to preserve their Championship status.
A move to Le Havre would take Maja back to France, where he previously played for Bordeaux in Ligue 1. He began his professional career in England with Sunderland before moving abroad and establishing experience in both the English and French games.
Le Havre are seeking to improve their attacking options before the new Ligue 1 season and are believed to view Maja’s background in both leagues as an asset. His arrival would provide the club with additional depth and experience in the forward positions.
Maja’s potential transfer would also represent the next stage of a career that has included spells in England and France, while giving him the opportunity to rebuild his momentum after an injury-affected period at West Bromwich Albion.
The proposed move remains subject to completion, but the French reports indicate that the agreement is close and that Maja is expected to continue his career with Le Havre.
