Celtic's reported ambitious Josh Maja move would be sensational

By daniel.cole

January 17, 2019

Celtic’s potential swap deal to acquire Josh Maja from Sunderland, reported by the Northern Echo, would be a terrific piece of business for the club.

With Lewis Morgan going the other way on loan, the deal would be the best of both worlds for Celtic.

They could sign a very highly rated talent, and allow one of their own to get much needed game time in League One.

The move works for Morgan especially due to Sunderland’s current predicament.

Maja has been a breakthrough star for Sunderland this season. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)

Although the stakes nor the pressure will be as high as they are at Celtic, Sunderland are in a position where they are expected to win every week.

Morgan could thrive under the pressure, he has the right personality to be a success at Celtic.

He has a lot of drive and determination. Whenever he gets the ball he heads straight for the opposition’s goal. He would get a lot of Sunderland fans off their feet.

Morgan would also be reuniting with Jack Ross, who seemed to get the best out of him while at St Mirren,

The winger has struggled to make an impact at Celtic this season and has been told he can leave on loan.

Regular starts would do Morgan the world of good. (Photo by Callum Landells/Getty Images)

Maja has been a star this season for Sunderland so far. He has 14 goals in 24 league appearances as the Black Cats aim to bounce back from successive relegations.

His performances have reportedly alerted Tottenham Hotspur to his contract situation. 

With Maja being out of contract in the summer, he can speak to other clubs regarding a summer transfer.

However Sunderland will be due a training fee, having brought Maja through their academy.

This is where Celtic can step in and potentially scoop the wonderkid for a nominal fee.

Could Maja come to Celtic for a cut-price deal? (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)

Playing the joker

Due to cross-border rules, Celtic can get Maja for a lot cheaper than any English team. Like they did with Moussa Dembele in 2016, Celtic would only pay a nominal training fee for Maja’s services.

They could offer a lower sum now, plus the services of Morgan until the summer, to tempt Sunderland into dealing their wonderkid sooner.

They may not have envisaged this when Maja broke through into their first team last season. However, this swap deal works for both Celtic and Sunderland. Both parties would be wise to pursue it.