Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Wed 18 March 2026 19:30, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Rangers have now joined the race for Motherwell star Elijah Just, in yet another transfer blow for Celtic.

The 25-year-old winger has proven to be one of the Scottish Premiership’s brightest stars this season, having picked up 14 goal contributions to date.

His abilities were on full show on the weekend when he netted in Motherwell’s 3-1 defeat at Celtic Park.

The Hoops have been linked to Just for some time. However, according to the Daily Record on 18 March, Rangers have now joined the race.

After Celtic’s dire transfer activity in the winter window, if they are beaten to the signing of the New Zealand international, it will only breed further resentment.

Celtic cannot allow Rangers to win race for Elijah Just

Going into the final stretch of the 2025-26 campaign, Martin O’Neill could still oversee an unlikely double despite all of Celtic’s troubles.

They remain two points behind Heart of Midlothian at the summit and are in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup.

Therefore, given their current situation and their recent dominance in Scotland, winning the race to Just should be relatively simple.

However, despite the fact that Rangers are likely to be playing Europa League football next season, and could end the season trophyless, they could secure the Motherwell star’s signature.

This sadly shows just how far the Hoops have fallen, as this should not even be a race given the circumstances of both clubs.

If Celtic lose out to Rangers for Just, the board will only receive further backlash as they run the risk of being left behind their Old Firm rivals going forward.

How good has Just been this season?

While former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, exclusively told Football Insider that the loss of a second Champions League spot could be financially devastating for Celtic, it is easy to see why they would be willing to splash the cash on Just.

According to Fotmob on 18 March, Just has been excellent so far this season in the Scottish Premiership.

Per 90 minutes, he is averaging 0.31 goals, a 0.26 xG, 2.76 shots, 1.73 chances created and a 26.88 per cent successful crossing rate.

This makes him one of the biggest attacking threats in the division, as he continues to dominant each flank.

Given his consistent run of form, it is hard to imagine Just at Fir Park next season. However, it remains to be seen who will win the race for his signature.