Celtic is completely taken with Elijah, and they’ll regret missing out on this transfer gem if they don’t act.

World Cup Continues to Be Football’s Biggest Showcase

Major international tournaments have always provided footballers with the perfect platform to enhance their reputations, and this year’s World Cup is proving no different. While much of the attention has been focused on the host nation and the commercial side of the competition, the tournament remains the sport’s ultimate shop window for talented players hoping to attract interest from bigger clubs.

Modern football has become increasingly driven by sponsorships, advertising, and commercial opportunities. FIFA’s introduction of additional stoppages has only increased the number of opportunities for brands to gain exposure during matches. However, despite all the changes around the game, one thing remains constant: the World Cup can dramatically alter a player’s career trajectory.

Motherwell’s Elijah Just appeals to the referee during the defeat to Celtic

A handful of standout performances on the biggest stage can generate enormous interest, and few players have taken advantage of the spotlight as effectively as Motherwell midfielder Elijah Just.

Elijah Just Seizing His Moment on the International Stage

The New Zealand international has been one of the tournament’s surprise success stories. His display against Iran was particularly eye-catching and served as a reminder of the quality he possesses.

Just looked comfortable under pressure, showed impressive creativity in possession, and consistently demonstrated the attacking qualities that have made him one of the Scottish Premiership’s most exciting talents.

For Motherwell, his performances are a source of both pride and concern. While the club will be delighted to see one of their players thriving on such a prestigious stage, they will also understand that every impressive performance increases the likelihood of attracting transfer interest from clubs across Europe.

Having already lost manager Jens Berthel Askou, Motherwell will be desperate to avoid losing another important figure. However, the reality is that Just’s value appears to have increased significantly following his World Cup exploits.

Celtic Could Be Left Wondering What Might Have Been

Among the clubs who may be reflecting on missed opportunities is Celtic.

Many supporters of the Glasgow giants were eager to see the club pursue a move for Just at the conclusion of the domestic season. By that stage, however, the ideal opportunity had likely already passed.

The argument is that Celtic should have acted much earlier. Six months ago, the midfielder could reportedly have been available for a fee in the region of £2 million. Today, after a successful season and a series of strong performances on the world stage, that figure looks increasingly unrealistic.

Any experienced agent would have advised a player in Just’s position to avoid committing to a transfer immediately before a major international tournament. The World Cup represents a chance to raise a player’s profile and potentially attract more lucrative offers.

As a result, the ideal time for Celtic to move would have been during the January transfer window rather than waiting until after the season had concluded.

Why January Represented the Perfect Opportunity

Back in January, there was already growing evidence that Just possessed the qualities needed to succeed at a higher level.

At the time, much of the transfer speculation involving Motherwell focused on striker Tawanda Maswanhise. There was considerable discussion surrounding the possibility of Celtic making a move for the forward.

While Maswanhise enjoyed a productive campaign and showed flashes of his ability throughout the season, some observers believe the real gem in Motherwell’s squad was playing just behind him.

That player was Elijah Just.

His influence on matches often extended beyond statistics. He consistently linked midfield and attack, created opportunities for teammates, and dictated the tempo of games with intelligence and composure.

For many, he was precisely the type of footballer Celtic should have been targeting.

A Natural Fit for Celtic’s Tactical Setup

One of the reasons Just appeared such an attractive option is his versatility.

The New Zealand international is capable of operating as an attacking midfielder, a number ten, or in a slightly wider role drifting in from the left. His ability to find pockets of space and create chances makes him a difficult player for opponents to contain.

These qualities mirror many of the attributes that have made Reo Hatate such an important player for Celtic over recent years.

However, Hatate’s future at Parkhead appears increasingly uncertain. After several successful seasons in Glasgow, there is a growing feeling that his time at the club may be coming to an end.

Should the Japanese midfielder depart, Celtic would need a creative replacement capable of filling a similar role. Just appears well suited to that responsibility and could provide the invention and attacking spark the team would require.

More Than Just a Creative Midfielder

What makes Just particularly appealing is that his game extends beyond technical ability.

Although he is not physically imposing, he possesses remarkable determination and competitiveness. Opponents frequently underestimate him because of his size, only to discover that he is more than willing to engage in physical battles.

A perfect example came during Motherwell’s visit to Celtic Park.

Early in the match, Just was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The tackle left him visibly hurt, with a serious knock to his shin.

Many players would have struggled to continue, but Just showed tremendous resilience. Despite the pain, he battled on for over an hour and continued contributing to his team’s performance before eventually being forced off.

His willingness to compete and fight for every ball demonstrates a toughness that complements his technical qualities.

Strong Numbers Support His Growing Reputation

The statistics from last season further underline Just’s effectiveness.

Across the campaign, he registered seven goals and seven assists, delivering a combined total of fourteen direct goal contributions.

Those figures compare favourably with many attacking players across the Scottish Premiership and, notably, surpassed the output of several Celtic wingers during the same period.

His contribution has not been limited to club football either. He has carried that form onto the international stage, adding goals for New Zealand during the World Cup and further enhancing his reputation.

Every successful performance increases his visibility among scouts and recruitment departments around the world.

Modern Scouting Means Everyone Is Watching

While international tournaments remain valuable showcases, football recruitment has evolved significantly over the years.

In previous decades, a handful of strong performances at a major tournament could secure a player a lucrative transfer almost overnight. Modern scouting, however, is far more sophisticated.

Clubs now maintain extensive databases containing detailed information on players from every corner of the globe. Performances are monitored continuously rather than judged solely on major tournaments.

Just is almost certainly already included in numerous scouting reports across Europe and beyond.

What his World Cup performances may have achieved is prompting clubs to revisit those reports and take a closer look at his recent development.

When they do, they will discover a player who has consistently delivered strong performances throughout the past year.

Celtic Must Act Before Competition Intensifies

The concern for Celtic is that the longer they wait, the more competition they will face.

Potential suitors examining footage of Just’s performances will quickly notice how effective he has been against some of Scotland’s strongest teams. He has impressed in matches against Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts, demonstrating that he can perform at a high level against quality opposition.

Interest is likely to increase significantly once the tournament concludes.

His phone may be flooded with enquiries from clubs eager to discuss future opportunities.

Celtic could still enter the race. Although his value has undoubtedly risen, a transfer fee in the region of £5 million to £6 million may still make a deal possible.

The challenge is that he will now have numerous options available, including offers from clubs capable of providing significantly higher wages.

A Lesson Celtic Cannot Afford to Ignore

Whether Celtic eventually pursue Just or not, his situation highlights a recurring issue.

The club often speaks about identifying talent early and acting decisively, yet too frequently they find themselves reacting to circumstances rather than anticipating them.

With the squad already significantly reduced since the end of last season and crucial fixtures approaching, proactive recruitment has become increasingly important.

Pre-season preparations are just around the corner, while Champions League qualifying matches are rapidly approaching.

Supporters may currently be focused on the excitement of the World Cup, but Celtic’s recruitment team cannot afford to be distracted.

If they fail to move quickly and decisively, they may look back on Elijah Just as another opportunity that slipped away.