Josh Maja has indicated that he hopes to play Ligue 1 football with Bordeaux next season while playing down reports linking the former Sunderland striker with a summer move to Rangers.
With 17 goals in five assists this season, the 2022/23 campaign is already the best of Maja’s career. And it could still get better.
The London-born Nigeria international has Bordeaux well placed to bounce back from relegation last season; Les Girondins second in Ligue 2 with just five games remaining.
Maja’s outstanding displays have reportedly caught the eye of a Rangers side scouring the market for an Alfredo Morelos replacement but, if Bordeaux are a top-flight side again next term, do not expect to see the one-time Fulham and Stoke City youngster walk away from Wine Country.
Rangers like Bordeaux striker Josh Maja
“My goal? It’s going to Ligue 1 next year,” Maja tells the RMC Sport podcast, translated by Ma Ligue 2. “Then, we will see what happens.”
Rangers are reportedly keeping tabs on Swansea City’s Joel Piroe and Serbian youngster Petar Ratkov, amongst others. Jerry Yates, meanwhile, was relegated with Blackpool on Saturday and could therefore be available for a fraction of his rumoured £5 million price-tag.
In Maja, meanwhile, Rangers are looking at a man who, by his own assessment, has never played better.
“Thjs really is the most consistent season I’ve had since arriving at Bordeaux,” Maja adds. “I have fun, I like the way I play and the most important thing is that we play well and win games.
“I hope we can continue like this. It’s been a good season so far, we’re in a good position. We focus on ourselves to take the three points in every game.”
While a centre-forward by trade, Maja has impressed in a more withdrawn ‘number ten’ role of late. One which frees up the 24-year-old to find pockets of space while providing a link between midfield and attack.
