Why an insider says Elijah Just is going places for Celtic and Rangers
Elijah Just has sharpened Celtic and Rangers transfer talk after scoring twice for New Zealand at the World Cup. Former Rangers defender Colin Hendry says the Motherwell playmaker is "going places," while ex-Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou expects a summer move—though Just has hinted he is excited to return to Fir Park under new coach Alfred Johansson.
The 26-year-old's stock has climbed on football's biggest stage at a moment when Scottish giants are watching closely. For fans tracking World Cup coverage and transfer fallout, our Streaming & TV Alerts hub rounds up the latest viewing and news angles.
Key Takeaways
- Colin Hendry says Motherwell teammate Callum Hendry told him Elijah Just was "going places" even before the World Cup brace against Iran.
- Ange Postecoglou, on ITV punditry duty, called Just's Premiership season "unbelievable" and said a summer move would not surprise him.
- Just scored both New Zealand goals in a 2-2 draw with Iran and remains key ahead of a final Group G clash with Belgium.
- The playmaker told RNZ he is excited to work with new Fir Park boss Alfred Johansson and help Motherwell in the Conference League.
- Celtic have been strongly linked with raiding Fir Park, while Rangers are also believed to be monitoring the New Zealand international.
Why is Elijah Just linked with Celtic and Rangers?
Just joined Motherwell from Danish club AC Horsens in the summer of 2025 and quickly became one of the Premiership's standout performers. The Daily Record reports he registered seven goals and eight assists in 30 league games, helping the Steelmen finish fourth and qualify for the Conference League.
That form put him on the radar of Celtic and Rangers, according to the Glasgow Times. Interest only grew after he scored a double in New Zealand's opening World Cup fixture against Iran.
What did Colin Hendry say about his son's teammate?
Colin Hendry, the former Scotland and Rangers defender, told Best Betting Sites that his son Callum played alongside Just at Motherwell. When he asked Callum about the playmaker, the reply was immediate.
"Yeah, Dad, he's going places," Hendry recalled. He added that Just has now proved that on the world stage: "He's providing, he's showing up, and he's bringing his stuff to the table."
Hendry said he would move for Just if he were Celtic and would be surprised if the attacker did not step up a level, given how well he is performing for New Zealand.
What did Ange Postecoglou say on TV?
Speaking while covering the World Cup for ITV, former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has watched New Zealand draw 2-2 with Iran and lose 3-1 to Egypt. GlasgowWorld reports he expects Just to attract a transfer after shining for club and country.
"Elijah Just has had an unbelievable season at Motherwell," Postecoglou said. "He will probably get a move. It wouldn't be a surprise if he gets a move from there."
He also praised New Zealand's system of tricky wingers working around striker Chris Wood, noting how that structure creates space for players like Just.
Will Elijah Just leave Motherwell this summer?
The picture is not one-sided. Speaking to RNZ's Morning Report, Just said he is focused on New Zealand's campaign but is also looking forward to returning to Scotland after Motherwell appointed Alfred Johansson following Jens Berthel Askou's move to Toulouse.
"We've got a new coach, so on that hand I'm also excited to head back and see what kind of changes are being brought in," he said. He added that Motherwell have supported him as their only World Cup representative and that exciting Conference League fixtures lie ahead.
That suggests Fir Park remains part of his plans, even as pundits and insiders predict a bigger move. With Belgium looming and Celtic strongly linked, the next fortnight could define whether Just stays or steps up.