Chris Sutton says how Elijah Just's ‘tremendous’ World Cup brace changes things for Celtic
Chris Sutton has stated that Celtic’s inability to secure a deal for Elijah Just could now cost them after his brilliant performance for New Zealand in the 2026 World Cup.
The Hoops have been heavily linked to the 26-year-old after he picked up 14 goal contributions in the Scottish Premiership this season to help guide Motherwell to European qualification.
Now, this form continued on Tuesday as he netted a brace against Iran in a 2-2 draw, and was easily the best player on the pitch.
As a result, Sutton believes this could now cost Celtic, with interest in the attacking midfielder likely to increase as a result.
Just only signed for Motherwell last summer, making the move from AC Horsens as he signed a two-year contract.
However, it appears that it could be a difficult task for the Steelmen to keep hold of their star, especially if he continues to find the net in the 2026 World Cup.
Chris Sutton: Elijah Just was tremendous vs Iran
In his first-ever appearance in a World Cup, Just no doubt put on a show.
Seven minutes in, he slammed a half-volley into the net to give the Kiwis the lead. In the 54th-minute he would restore their lead again as he lofted the ball over Alireza Beiranvand.
His brace currently sees him lead the goalscoring charts at the World Cup, and Sutton believes that Celtic’s inability to strike a deal with Motherwell for the star could now haunt them.
At full-time, he posted on X: “Celtic should’ve snapped Elijah Just up before now… now it could really cost them… tremendous performance from him.”
How good was Just vs Iran?
According to Fotmob on 16 June, Just was simply excellent against Iran.
On top of his two goals, he had an xG of 0.34, created one chance, completed 85 per cent of his passes, had a 100 per cent shot accuracy, won four ground duels and had three touches inside the opposition box.
His performance was no doubt one of the best of the tournament so far, and put New Zealand in a solid position to reach the knockout stages for the first time ever.
However, it remains to be seen if his good form in the World Cup will attract further interest and potentially derail Celtic’s own transfer ambitions.