Expert: Celtic accelerate move to sign SPFL star after confirmed news
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(Credit: Imago) Tue 19 May 2026 12:15, UK Elijah Just has emerged as a leading transfer target for Celtic as they accelerate their plans to bolster the squad in the summer transfer window.The 26-year-old has enjoyed a strong season with Motherwell and will go to the World Cup with New Zealand next month, placing his suitors on high alert.His performances in the Scottish Premiership have attracted interest from both Rangers and Celtic, but the Hoops are now well-placed to blow their rivals away.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Celtic have been keeping a close eye on Just’s performances throughout the season.They now plan to step up their efforts ahead of the summer window, and while a new manager is likely to arrive first, Celtic are making ambitious transfer plans. 🔄 Celtic Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Parkhead boardroom. VISIT THE CELTIC TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Could Celtic beat rivals in race to sign Elijah Just?Football Insider first revealed in March that Celtic are interested in signing Just, although they will face competition from Old Firm rivals Rangers in their pursuit.Despite having spent just one season in Scotland since joining Motherwell from AC Horsens, his performances have piqued the interest of the league’s top clubs.Elijah Just2025-26 StatsAppearances43Starts38Minutes Played3215Goals7Assist8Elijah Just’s performances for Motherwell in 2025-26.
(via Transfermarkt)After winning the league after a dramatic final-day victory against Hearts, Celtic are now confident of stepping up their transfer plans, with Just firmly on their radar.“Elijah Just is exactly the type of player Celtic are looking at,” Brown told Football Insider.“It’s difficult for clubs in Scotland to find players, it’s not like in the Premier League where you can go and get anybody for anywhere with the money involved.“Celtic need to use their budget wisely, and signing the best players in Scotland is the most reliable way to do that, because you know how they perform in the league.“A lot of the time, players can struggle to get to grips with the style of play, so when somebody like Just comes along and shows he can perform, it puts him on their radar.“Celtic are in a good position now after winning the league, so they want to act on that and strengthen the squad. They need to keep pushing forward.”How do Motherwell feel about selling Just?Despite Celtic’s growing interest in signing Just, he remains under contract with Motherwell until 2027, and a deal will have to be agreed with their rivals.After what has been an impressive season for Jens Berthel Akou’s side, they are now bracing for interest in a number of their star players, and decisions will have to be made.Credit: ImagoFootball Insider revealed on 23 March that Motherwell will accept “big-money” offers for Just and do not plan to stand in the way if an offer comes in.The club understand their place in the pecking order and believe significant offers would allow them to reinvest the funds into strengthening their team overall.Celtic have received a healthy financial boost by winning the league, and may now be prepared to table a tempting offer to lure Just away.