How Josh Maja can learn from Jack Colback and these Sunderland academy products during contract talks

Josh Maja is weighing-up a new deal at Sunderlandplaceholder image
Josh Maja is weighing-up a new deal at Sunderland
As speculation continues to surround Josh Maja's future at Sunderland, he doesn't have to look far for guidance.

Such has been the success of Sunderland's academy in recent years that several of their graduates have been offered opportunities to leave the Stadium of Light, with Maja the latest to be linked away. As Maja continues discussions over a new contract, he may cast an eye on some of his predecessors who have enjoyed varying levels of success since leaving the Stadium of Light. Here, we take a look at nine of the Black Cats' academy products whose journeys after leaving Wearside could offer the striker some guidance:

After progressing through Sunderland's academy, Colback became a first-team regular at the Stadium of Light before swapping Wearside for Tyneside, joining Newcastle United in 2014. His move didn't quite work out as planned, though...placeholder image
After progressing through Sunderland's academy, Colback became a first-team regular at the Stadium of Light before swapping Wearside for Tyneside, joining Newcastle United in 2014. His move didn't quite work out as planned, though...
On the flip side, former Sunderland skipper and academy graduate Henderson has flourished since leaving the Black Cats, becoming a first team regular at Liverpool and a key player for England.placeholder image
On the flip side, former Sunderland skipper and academy graduate Henderson has flourished since leaving the Black Cats, becoming a first team regular at Liverpool and a key player for England.
The striker was a rare shining light for Sunderland last season after joining the club's academy from his native Sweden. But Asoro has struggled for game time since joining Swansea in the summer.placeholder image
The striker was a rare shining light for Sunderland last season after joining the club's academy from his native Sweden. But Asoro has struggled for game time since joining Swansea in the summer.
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