Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Wed 25 March 2026 9:00, UK

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Jens Berthel Askou’s arrival as Celtic‘s new manager this summer would surely see them become the favourites to land Motherwell playmaker Elijah Just ahead of Rangers.

Berthel Askou has done a fantastic job in charge of Motherwell so far this season, leading them into fourth place in the Scottish Premiership as it stands.

He is attracting serious interest from Parkhead, as a result, with Celtic chiefs identifying the Dane as their top target to succeed the outgoing Martin O’Neill in the summer.

New Zealand international midfielder Just has been one of Motherwell’s top performers this season following his arrival from Danish side AC Horsens.

If Berthel Askou does become their next boss, then Celtic’s transfer plans could well centre around Just joining him on the green side of Glasgow for 2026-27.

Elijah Just likes playing under Jens Berthel Askou – he could take him to Celtic

Just has registered seven goals and six assists in 28 league games so far this season, while featuring at attacking midfield and centre-forward.

The 25-year-old is one of several stars who have shone under Berthel Askou at Fir Park this season, but despite their strong form, they are still at the mercy of Rangers and Celtic when it comes to finances.

Football Insider have revealed that Motherwell will accept a big offer for Just this summer, with both Old Firm sides and numerous English clubs believed to be interested in snapping him up.

Celtic will clearly hold the upper hand in the race to land his services if they appoint Berthel Askou, as the two share a close relationship that has blossomed at two different clubs.

The Dane has signed Just for both Horsens and Motherwell in the last few years, and the New Zealand midfielder has spoken highly of his boss this season.

Speaking in October, he said: “I moved to AC Horsens to work with the gaffer (Askou). At that time, our squad wasn’t suited for the way we wanted to play.

“The team did ok to start with, but we faded away and got relegated. The manager then left, and we had a few discussions when he was in Sweden.

“I don’t want to say I was surprised he called me (to join Motherwell), but I hadn’t played that much, so the fact he was still interested in bringing me in was interesting.

“Between that first year I had worked with him and working with him now, he has coached at some huge clubs. You can see that he’s really established how he wants to play, and the boys have been great.

“It’s obviously a massive help to have a connection with the manager already, and he knows exactly what I bring to the team. He also knows where I’m not going to be useful.”

Who else is in the running to be Celtic’s next manager?

Appointing Berthel Askou would clearly help Celtic if they want to sign Just, but a deal for him to be their next manager is not over the line just yet.

He will be focusing on guiding Motherwell to European qualification this season, while the Hoops will want to give Martin O’Neill the best chance of winning the Premiership without any outside noise about his successor.

The 43-year-old is currently the clear 2/1 favourite to be the Hoops’ boss at the start of next season, while Roberto Martinez is also a top contender, at odds of 9/2 with one of the UK’s top bookmakers.

Other contenders include Robbie Keane (8/1), Christian Ilzer (12/1) and Ange Postecoglou (14/1), so Berthel Askou clearly has a strong chance of being Celtic’s next manager, with Just possibly set to follow him for a third time.