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Ebenezer Bajela
Girondins de Bordeaux striker Josh Maja’s proposed move to Birmingham City has collapsed, after the player opted to stay with the French club for at least another season.
According to transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, the Nigeria international rejected a move back to England despite reports that he was close to flying to the UK to undergo medical on Thursday.
Romano on Wednesday revealed Birmingham’s interest in Maja, with the Blues believed to have submitted an offer for the 23-year-old, who was expected to sign a five-year deal with the English club.
“Birmingham City are set to complete an important signing: official bid now submitted for Josh Maja, talent from Bordeaux with five-year deal agreed,” Romano tweeted on Wednesday.
“Maja will fly to England tonight (Wednesday) in order to complete medical tests first thing on Thursday morning.”
There was however a twist to the transfer as the former Sunderland star had rejected the chance of linking up with the Blues, in favour of a stay with Bordeaux for at least one more season and is set to ink a new two-year deal with the club.
“Josh Maja’s move to Birmingham has just collapsed,” the Italian wrote again on Twitter.
“He decided to stay at Bordeaux for one more season and sign a new two-year deal with 50% wage deferral which will be paid to him in June. Deadline day
“New deal includes the option to leave for free if the team will not be promoted.”
The 23-year-old had initially rejected a contract extension from the French club after refusing to accept a pay cut to remain in France.
Maja joined Bordeaux from Sunderland in 2019 and has made 58 appearances, scoring 13 goals and registering six assists.