Celtic’s long-standing interest in Motherwell’s Elijah Just is facing fresh competition after Swansea City entered the race for his signature.
The New Zealand international enhanced his growing reputation with an impressive World Cup campaign, scoring three goals despite his country’s group stage exit.
Just struck twice against Iran before finding the net again against Belgium, performances that have drawn further attention from clubs keeping tabs on his progress.
That return has now happened, with Just back in pre-season training at Fir Park while speculation over his next move continues.
According to Record Sport, Swansea have now joined the chase for his signature.
The Championship club already have a familiar face from Motherwell in their squad after signing former Celtic defender Stephen Welsh this summer. Welsh’s contract at Celtic was terminated by mutual agreement before he made the move to South Wales.
Welsh and Just were key figures in Motherwell’s impressive campaign under Jens Berthel Askou. Their possession-based, high-tempo style won plenty of admirers, with Just consistently one of the standout performers.
His domestic form was recognised with a nomination for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award, while he also earned a place in the Premiership Team of the Year.
It is easy to see why Celtic continue to be linked.
Just is comfortable in possession, takes defenders on and has shown he can produce goals as well as creativity. Those qualities would strengthen Martin O’Neill’s attacking options, particularly with the demands of another long season across multiple competitions.
At this stage, though, there have been no reports of a concrete bid from Celtic.
That leaves the situation exactly where it has been for some time, interest without any decisive move.
The difference now is that his World Cup displays have increased his profile. Clubs that may have been monitoring him from afar have now seen him deliver on the international stage as well.
With one year left on his Motherwell contract, the Lanarkshire club are under no immediate pressure to sell and are expected to stand firm once formal offers arrive.
For Celtic, this feels like a transfer worth resolving one way or another. Just has been on the club’s radar for a considerable period and has continued to back up that interest with his performances.
If another club moves first while Celtic continue to watch from a distance, it would be difficult not to view it as a missed opportunity.
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