Super Eagles watch: 2 reasons Valencia are battling Watford, Bristol City for Nigeria striker

Valencia are interested in Super Eagles striker Josh Maja as the Spanish club looks to strengthen its attack before the new La Liga season, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 26-year-old Nigerian is available as a free agent after leaving West Bromwich Albion this summer when both parties failed to agree on a new contract. That has made him one of the most attractive strikers still available on the market.

According to reports from Spain, Valencia head coach Carlos Corberán is the driving force behind the club’s pursuit. The former West Brom manager knows Maja well from their time together in England and believes the striker can improve Valencia’s attack.

However, Valencia are not alone. Championship clubs Watford and Bristol City also have eyes on the Nigerian international. Stoke City have also been linked with the forward as English clubs attempt to convince him to remain in the Championship.

Why Maja is an attractive target for Valencia

The biggest reason behind Valencia’s interest is Corberán’s strong belief in Maja’s abilities.

The pair first worked together after Corberán signed Maja for West Brom in August 2023. Their first season was disrupted by injury after Maja suffered two serious ankle ligament problems, limiting him to just one goal and one league start.

Instead of losing faith, Corberán continued to support the striker throughout his rehabilitation, praising his professionalism and determination to return.

That patience paid off during the following Championship campaign. A fully fit Maja announced himself with a hat-trick against Queens Park Rangers on the opening weekend before going on to score 12 goals in 26 Championship appearances.

Corberán repeatedly pointed out that Maja offered much more than goals. The Super Eagles forward was able to play as a central striker, link midfield with attack, hold up the ball under pressure and create space for teammates, qualities the Valencia boss believes suit his tactical system in La Liga.

The second reason is financial value. Although Maja is expected to demand a significant salary, Valencia would not have to pay any transfer fee because he is a free agent. For a club that has operated under tight financial restrictions in recent years, signing an experienced 26-year-old striker without paying a transfer fee represents a rare market opportunity.

With Valencia looking for proven quality at a reasonable overall cost, it is no surprise why Maja has emerged as one of the club’s priority attacking options.

Why the transfer could still fail

Despite Valencia’s strong interest, completing the deal may prove difficult. Spanish reports suggest discussions remain at an early stage rather than advanced negotiations. There is, therefore, still plenty of work before any agreement can be reached.

The biggest obstacle is Maja’s wage demands. His salary expectations were the main reasons contract renewal talks with West Brom eventually collapsed despite months of negotiations. The same issue reportedly caused Watford to cool their interest after deciding the financial package would stretch beyond their budget.

Valencia could face exactly the same problem. Although the Spanish side can save millions by avoiding a transfer fee, they still operate under a carefully managed wage structure and may struggle to meet the financial package requested by the former Girondins Bordeaux ace.

Competition also remains fierce. Bristol City, Stoke City and other Championship clubs are still convinced they can persuade Maja to stay in England.