Explained: How Josh Maja's deadline day loan move could affect Sunderland this summer

Maja made a late move to the Premier League on deadline day, signing for Scott Parker's Fulham on loan until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old has seen his game time decrease at Girondins de Bordeaux since head coach Paulo Sousa was replaced by Jean-Louis Gasset.

He has now returned to the club he represented as an academy player as they bid to avoid relegation.

The loan deal includes an option to buy this summer for Fulham, with the price set at around €10 million according to L'Equipe.

The deal would have the potential to rise by a further €2 million in add-on clauses, dependent on Maja's performance.

That is relevant to Sunderland as they are understood to have installed a sell-on clause in the hugely controversial and acrimonious deal that saw Maja leave the club in January 2019.

The clause was believed to be 10% of any future profit made by Bordeaux.

The initial fee paid by Bordeaux was understood to be in the region of €1.5 million, with bonus clauses potentially seeing that figure double over time.

A €10 million summer sale would therefore see the Black Cats land a seven-figure sum.

Maja has thus far scored 11 goals in 49 appearances during his time in France.

The striker said he was excited about a 'big opportunity' in the Premier League.

"I’m really excited and proud to sign for Fulham on loan for the remainder of the season," he said.

"This is a big opportunity and I look forward to meeting up with the team and working hard to achieve positive results."

Maja will have two year left on his deal at Bordeaux should he return to the club without making the move to Fulham permanent this summer.

Fulham's Director of Football Operations Tony Khan said: "I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring Josh back to Fulham.

"He’s made tremendous progress in the years since he left our Academy, and now he’s returning to the Club in our First Team with an opportunity to earn his place in our squad and prove himself at the highest level."

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor