Sunderland are having a good season in the League One as they are currently placed in the 3rd position of the league table having played two games less than the two teams above them. The Black Cats have won 13 of their 22 matches so far and are five points behind the league leaders Portsmouth despite having played two matches less.
The success of the Black Cats in the League One has been fuelled by the performances of some key players including Josh Maja. The young striker has been one of the most influential players in Jack Ross’ side this season and has notched up 13 goals already along with two assists to show for his efforts.
Given his brilliant form this season, the player has reportedly attracted attention from a number of Premier League and Championship clubs. There are also speculations that Sunderland are looking to cash in on their 19 year old forward by letting him leave on a cut-price deal. However, both the owner and the manager have rubbished these rumours and have said that they want Maja to stay put at the Stadium of Light.
It is essential that the Black Cats take a stand against selling off the prolific striker in the January window as it will complicate life when it comes to getting one of the automatic promotion spots to the Championship. The former Premier League side experienced back to back relegations in the last two seasons and are eyeing a way back to the second tier this time around.
That is why it is a no-brainer that they need their teenage talent to be a part of their squad for the future. With Maja doing the bulk of the scoring this season (as he has already contributed with 13 of the 43 goals Sunderland have netted this season so far) it would be suicidal to let go of him. However, he has not yet penned down a new deal at the club with his current contract expiring at the end of this season.
With the big clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Manchester City showing interest in the 19-year-old, the lure might be too much to resist for the youngster.
However, it would be a wise thing for the striker to sign a new contract at the League One club and stay back as he would miss the star status if he moves to a club like Tottenham. There he would have to live in the shadow of Harry Kane and get used to sitting on the bench. Also, when it comes to developing rapidly, there is no substitute for playing games, and that is one thing he would definitely get at Sunderland.
