Exclusive: David Prutton drops claim on potential Josh Maja exit situation at West Brom | OneFootball

David Prutton has told FLW of the importance of keeping Josh Maja for West Brom this summer

David Prutton believes it is vital for West Brom that they hold onto Josh Maja this summer.

The forward enjoyed a bittersweet campaign for the Baggies, as he performed well when available, but injuries hampered his progress.

The 26-year-old contributed 12 goals and two assists for Albion as the club finished ninth in the Championship table, but he was only capable of 26 appearances.

These injury issues proved costly for West Brom, who missed out on a play-off place by only four points, which led to Tony Mowbray’s dismissal as manager.

Josh Maja exit claim

Prutton has claimed that it is vital for West Brom to hold onto Maja this summer, whoever the next manager ends up being, with the player coming into the final 12 months of his contract.

He’s highlighted the Nigeria international’s injury issues, suggesting he could be one of the top scorers in the entire division if he can put them behind him next season.

“Huge, could be a new way of approaching the Championship for the Baggies next season given the change in management pending,” Prutton exclusively told Football League World.

“The unfortunate thing with Josh is you need to keep him fit.

“He’s had problems with that over the course of the season and was a big miss once he’d been

“You get the feeling that pro rata the goals he scored, if he had a full season he’d be knocking on the door of the top scorers.

“So, I think it is vital.

“Intrigued to see what the Baggies do next given the clubs that are in and around them ended up knocking on the door of the play-offs, and West Brom fell away.

“So, I think it’s vital [they keep Maja].”

West Brom reached the play-offs with a fifth place finish in 2024 under Carlos Corberan, but his departure in December last year hurt their chances of another top six finish this season.

Keeping Maja would be great business for West Brom

Maja proved this season that he can be a reliable goalscorer, provided he remains fit.

The next West Brom manager will surely be keen to see someone of his calibre stay in the squad, as every team needs someone capable of regularly finding the net.

The 26-year-old is coming into his peak years, and if he can remain fit then he could play a big role in a promotion push.

It will have to take an eight-figure sum to convince the Baggies to cash in on the player this summer, although the fact he’s coming into the final 12 months of current contract may complicate that matter.