Battle for Elijah Just: Why the Current Climate Favors Celtic

In the high-stakes environment of the Scottish Premiership, the rivalry between Glasgow’s two biggest clubs is never just about the ninety minutes on the pitch. It extends to the transfer market, the boardroom, and the psychological warfare that defines the city’s footballing divide. Currently, a brewing transfer battle for Motherwell’s Elijah Just has highlighted a dynamic that could actually perform in Celtic’s favour as they look to bolster their squad for the next campaign.

For those following the league closely, the pursuit of Just is more than just a search for a latest attacker; it is a litmus test of influence. The New Zealand international has emerged as one of the most eye-catching performers in the division, operating as a versatile, left-footed attacker who has thrived under the guidance of Jens Berthel Askou. His ability to create and finish has made him a primary target for both the reigning champions and their rivals at Ibrox.

The Fight for Elijah Just

The interest in Just intensified following a standout campaign with Motherwell, where he proved his capability against the league’s best. A pivotal moment occurred on March 14, 2026, when Just found the net during Motherwell’s 3-1 defeat to Celtic F.C. at Celtic Park. Scoring against the champions often acts as a catalyst for transfer interest, and in this case, it put Just firmly on the radar of the Glasgow giants.

Whereas Celtic have been closely monitoring his progress for several weeks, reports indicate that the Ibrox club has also entered the fray. This sets up a potential summer transfer battle. In these scenarios, the deciding factor is often not just the financial package, but the trajectory of the club. As the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership champions, Celtic currently hold the mantle of dominance in Scottish football, a position that naturally makes them an attractive destination for an ambitious player like Just.

To put Celtic’s current standing in perspective, the club has amassed 120 major honours as of 2025, the most of any European club and the second-most globally. For a player looking to cement their legacy, the opportunity to join a side with such a prolific winning culture is a significant draw.

Psychological Friction and the Ibrox Dynamic

Beyond the transfer market, the relationship between the two clubs remains fraught with tension, which often spills over into the public eye. Recent events have underscored the volatility of this rivalry. Rangers recently condemned what they described as “vile” mockery of the Ibrox Disaster by Celtic supporters, calling for accountability and decision-making to be subjected to scrutiny.

This atmospheric tension is further compounded by administrative friction. A refereeing summit is scheduled to take place at Ibrox later this month, an event that has already sparked questions about whether Celtic will attend. When the administrative and emotional climate around a rival club is this turbulent, it can inadvertently shift the perceived stability in favor of the other side.

For a player like Elijah Just, who is stepping up from a club like Motherwell to a global stage, stability and a clear path to success are paramount. Celtic’s current status as champions provides a shield of sporting stability that can be a powerful tool in recruitment.

The Tactical Fit

From a technical standpoint, Just’s role at Motherwell has been characterized by freedom. The “Steelmen” system relies on full-backs for width and a disciplined midfield, allowing creative players to roam. This fluidity is exactly what modern attacking systems require, and it aligns well with the attacking philosophy Celtic has employed to maintain their grip on the Premiership.

Just’s productivity this season has been nearly unmatched at Motherwell, with only leading scorer Tawanda Maswanhise registering more goal contributions. For Celtic, adding a left-footed attacker who can operate in fluid roles provides a tactical versatility that could be crucial for their upcoming European and domestic campaigns.

Quick Context: In football terms, a “fluid forward role” means the player isn’t locked into one position (like a traditional striker) but can move between the wing and the center to confuse defenders and find space.

Why the Momentum Shifts Toward Parkhead

When analyzing why this situation favors Celtic, it comes down to three primary pillars: sporting success, historical prestige, and current momentum.

• Sporting Success: Being the 2024-25 champions provides an immediate incentive for any player wanting to compete for titles.
• Historical Prestige: With 120 major honours, Celtic offers a level of institutional success that is tricky to overlook.
• Competitive Momentum: The ability to dominate matches, as seen in the encounter with Motherwell in March, demonstrates a level of confidence that attracts top talent.

While the Ibrox club remains a formidable force and a legitimate competitor for Just’s signature, the current confluence of events—Celtic’s championship status and the ongoing distractions surrounding their rivals—creates a window of opportunity. In the tug-of-war for the league’s best emerging talent, the side with the most stability and the most recent silverware usually holds the stronger hand.

The next major checkpoint for this story will be the opening of the summer transfer window, where the battle for Elijah Just will move from monitoring to formal negotiations. The outcome of the upcoming refereeing summit at Ibrox will provide further insight into the current state of diplomacy between the two clubs.

Do you think Elijah Just is the right fit for the reigning champions, or will the pull of Ibrox prove too strong? Let us know in the comments.