Josh Maja breaks silence in emotional West Brom exit message | OneFootball

Josh Maja has returned to Ligue 1, following three years at West Brom

There has been a real changing of the guard at the top end of the pitch at West Brom this summer, as the Baggies look to put the disappointment of last season's relegation near-miss behind them.

Defensively, West Brom were among the best sides in the Championship per the underlying numbers, facing the fewest shots on target in the division and conceding the third-fewest expected goals.

Going forward, though, they didn't have as much joy. The 48 goals they scored were the fifth-fewest in the second tier and one of the main reasons why the Baggies finished just four points above the drop.

During the off-season, three strikers were let go at the end of their contracts — the highest-profile departure being Josh Maja, who has recently signed for Ligue 1 side Le Havre.

Josh Maja pens West Brom farewell message

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West Brom's retained list for the 2025/26 campaign revealed that Daryl Dike was being let go at the end of his contract, while Karlan Grant was in negotiations and Maja had an extension offer on the table.

As the summer went on, though, and Albion announced the arrivals of Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Barney Stewart, two young strikers with bags of potential, it became clearer that the one-time Nigerian international wasn't going to be extending his stay at the Hawthorns.

Speculation over Maja's next club was put to bed on August 1, as he signed for Ligue 1 outfit Le Havre, returning to France three years after he left Bordeaux for the Hawthorns.

Taking to Instagram on August 10, the 27-year-old spoke to West Brom fans, outlining his gratitude after representing the club for the last three campaigns.

"After three years @wba, the time has come to say goodbye," he said.

"A huge thank you to everyone at the club, players, staff and everyone behind the scenes. A special shoutout to the fans; your support through the highs & lows was incredible & I’ll always be grateful. It was a privilege to wear this badge; the memories will last forever.

"I wish everyone associated with the club all the best. Once a Baggie, always a Baggie. 💙🤍"

Josh Maja was unable to capitalise on 2024/25 momentum in his final year at West Brom

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Maja's time as a West Brom player had many peaks and troughs. Ankle injuries derailed his first couple of years at the Hawthorns, restricting him to just 38 combined league appearances across both campaigns.

The one in his second season was arguably harder to stomach, as the 27-year-old had scored 12 times in 26 league outings. But that left a lot of hope and optimism ahead of last season kicking off that, if Maja could remain fit, he could be a key part of Ryan Mason's new-look side.

Unfortunately, that wasn't to be, as Maja struggled to be a regular part of the starting eleven last season under both Mason and Eric Ramsay. Indeed, eight of his 15 league starts last year came under James Morrison towards the tail end of the campaign.

West Brom were much improved during Morrison's interim run, and with three goals in that time, it was understandable that the now-permanent head coach did offer him fresh terms at the end of the campaign.

But the 27-year-old has decided to draw a line under his time with Albion, and will look to pick up where he left off in France during the 2026/27 campaign.

West Brom look dangerous in front of goal with new signings

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While there are only pre-season games and a cup win against a Rotherham United side who are far from where they want to be in terms of the strength of their squad, West Brom look a promising attacking prospect under James Morrison.

Jimmy-Jay Morgan looks a good signing, netting a brace on his full debut at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, and there are goals in the midfield too. Felix Horn Myhre and Harry Whitwell both scored on Saturday, but Isaac Price and Mikey Johnston can also carry that threat.

Aune Heggebo had an okay first season in the Championship, finishing the campaign on nine goals, while Stewart has that potential to chip in with close to double digits in his debut year, too.

Regardless of your opinion on Maja, it can be agreed upon that a refresh was needed in the striker department at the Hawthorns, and the Baggies look a lot more dynamic there ahead of their league opener at Norwich City on Saturday.