Rangers target Elijah Just as Motherwell consider winger's future

Elijah Just faces transfer crossroads as Rangers and Celtic circle

Motherwell’s Elijah Just is weighing a potential move to Rangers or Celtic after his standout World Cup displays, with the Gers already sounding out the 26-year-old’s camp. The 26-year-old winger, capped 47 times for New Zealand, has been heavily linked with both Old Firm sides, but no formal offer has arrived yet from either. Just’s next career step could hinge on ambition, according to his former coach Declan Edge, who guided him from age 14 to 20 at New Zealand’s Ole Academy.

What’s driving the interest in Elijah Just?

Just’s performances at the World Cup caught the eye of multiple European clubs, not just Rangers. Edge, who coached him for six years, told Ibrox News that the 26-year-old’s intelligence will shape his decision. “I think Eli has always been ambitious to find out his potential level,” Edge said. Just trained alongside future New Zealand internationals like Ryan Thomas and Marko Stamenic at the academy, where Edge also worked with US men’s team player Tyler Boyd and New Zealand women’s international Maya Hahn.

The Steelmen are expected to demand a premium for the winger, who has been in fine form for Motherwell this season. The club sits 4th in the Premiership with 54 points from 33 games, 16 behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian, and has shipped 29 goals while scoring 52. Their recent run includes a heavy 4-0 loss to Aarhus on 5 July 2026, though they face Genk at home on 17 July 2026.

Could Rangers land their target before Celtic strike?

Rangers, now under Derek McInnes, are seen as a strong fit for Just’s profile. McInnes nearly won the Premiership with Hearts last season and has already made shrewd additions. The Gers’ pursuit could be complicated by European interest, which may push Motherwell to demand a high fee-potentially pricing Rangers out unless they move quickly. Just hasn’t commented publicly on the links, leaving his stance unclear.

Edge, who hasn’t spoken to Just since the World Cup, believes the 26-year-old will weigh his options carefully. “He’s a smart man and will be thinking deeply about his next move,” Edge said. Just’s next fixture-a Europa Conference League qualifier against Genk on 17 July 2026-adds pressure to any transfer talks.

Motherwell’s season has been a mixed bag: they sit 16 points behind Hearts with a goal difference of +23, but their last five games read LWWLL. The Steelmen’s next challenge is a home tie against Genk, a match that could coincide with transfer deadline-day whispers about Just’s future.