Josh Maja has become a free agent after his contract with English Championship club West Bromwich Albion expired without a new agreement being reached. The 27-year-old Super Eagles forward is now available on the open market, with several Championship sides monitoring his situation.
Quick facts
- Josh Maja is a free agent after contract talks with West Bromwich Albion ended without an extension.
- Interest has been reported from Bristol City, Watford and Stoke City.
- Watford are exploring striker options after Luca Kjerrumgaard returned to Udinese at the end of his loan.
- Maja is valued at €4.5 million by Transfermarkt.
- Orlando City are nearing a re-signing of Daryl Dike after his West Brom spell ended.
- KAS Eupen have signed 18-year-old Nigerian centre-back Michael Precious from Supreme Kings Academy.
- Fiorentina are pushing to sign Tolu Arokodare, with an improved loan-and-option proposal reported.
- Atletico Madrid remain undecided on Ademola Lookman’s next step, with Fenerbahçe also linked.
- Noah Adedeji has agreed personal terms with Club Brugge, but Genk and fee demands have stalled talks.
Maja’s availability has sparked links with Bristol City, Watford and Stoke City, with all three sides looking for attacking options as the transfer window moves forward. For Watford in particular, the search is tied to squad changes after last season’s leading scorer Luca Kjerrumgaard returned to Udinese once his loan concluded.
Watford’s attack has recently been led by younger names Mamadou Doumbia and Vivaldo Semedo, but Maja is viewed as an experienced addition who could provide balance and know-how in front of goal. Transfermarkt puts a €4.5 million value on the striker.
MLS and Belgium: Dike and Precious
In Major League Soccer, Orlando City are close to bringing Daryl Dike back after his West Brom contract ended. The 26-year-old returned to the market following an injury-affected run in England, where he netted 10 times across 64 appearances.
Dike’s record in MLS before his move to England was stronger for Orlando City: he scored 18 goals and added seven assists in 35 league matches. That output has helped keep him on Orlando’s radar as they look to bolster their attacking depth.
Across Europe, KAS Eupen have completed the signing of 18-year-old Nigerian centre-back Michael Precious from Supreme Kings Academy. The transfer follows a successful trial, and the Belgian club publicly described Precious as a talented young player.
Precious had already attracted attention earlier in the year, including a trial with Paris Saint-Germain’s under-23 side in March. Eupen’s move gives the defender an immediate pathway into professional football in Belgium.
Fiorentina and Arokodare talks
Italian Serie A side Fiorentina have also stepped up their efforts to sign Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare. Negotiations are believed to be progressing, with reports indicating Fiorentina have made an improved proposal.
The latest offer is understood to be structured as a loan deal that includes a €22 million purchase option. Talks between Fiorentina and the player’s current club are ongoing, while Arokodare is reportedly keen to complete the switch as the next career step.
Atletico uncertainty: Lookman
Elsewhere, the situation around Ademola Lookman remains unresolved at Atletico Madrid. Coach Diego Simeone has not yet confirmed whether the Nigerian winger will stay, with the club working through plans to strengthen their attacking options.
Lookman joined Atletico in February 2026 and is tied to a contract running until 2030. He has also been linked with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe, and Transfermarkt lists his value at €40 million, reflecting the level of interest building around him.
Genk vs Club Brugge: Adedeji
Another Nigerian prospect drawing attention is Noah Adedeji. The winger has agreed personal terms with Club Brugge, but negotiations with Genk have stalled due to disagreement over the transfer fee.
Genk are understood to be demanding between €15 million and €20 million, a range Club Brugge are not willing to meet at this stage. The Belgian club’s position is that Adedeji has not yet fully established himself with them.
Even so, the transfer chatter has not stopped: Adedeji has returned to first-team training after initially being separated from the squad. He remains keen on completing a move to the Belgian champions, keeping the door open for a breakthrough if the price can be brought in line.
