Elijah Just of New Zealand celebrates after scoring the team s first goal during a FIFA Mens World Cup 2026 Group Stage football match between Iran and New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium, in Inglewood on June 15th 2026 / Southampton manager Tonda Eckert during the EFL Sky Bet Championship Play Off Second Leg match between Southampton and Middlesbrough at the St Mary s Stadium, Southampton, UK on 12 May 2026
Elijah Just is attracting transfer attention after starring for New Zealand at the 2026 World Cup.Imago

Elijah Just proves he's perfect signing for Southampton as stats emerge from Iran vs New Zealand

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Motherwell's Elijah Just is exactly the kind of signing that Tonda Eckert needs to get Southampton fans back onside this summer.

Young, athletic, creative, and absolutely fearless, the 26-year-old winger is attracting interest from Old Firm rivals, Rangers and Celtic, following a fine 2025-26 campaign.

He notched seven goals and seven assists in 43 games, helping the Steelmen to a fourth-place finish in the Scottish Premiership, while also claiming Europa Conference League football.

A move south of the border might be too good of an offer to turn down, though, and the Saints can be the ones to leave Celtic and Rangers in the dust.

Despite Motherwell securing European football, the financial benefits of a switch to England could be too much to turn down, and he would likely be given a starring role.

Eckert will be desperate to right the wrongs caused by Spygate, an incident which saw his team kicked out of the Championship play-offs this season, and new signings will certainly help the fans to forgive.

Elijah Just can spark sensation transfer window for Southampton

Just has yet to be linked with a move to England, and that could help the Saints to seal a move, with a lack of competition outside of Scotland.

Although there were multiple big names in the 2026 World Cup clash between Iran and New Zealand on Tuesday, 16 June, he very much held his own.

In 90 minutes, Just won Man of the Match, netting twice, creating another chance for a teammate, completed 50 per cent of his dribbles, while also making seven recoveries [FotMob].

He's clearly not afraid to make a challenge, entering into a total of 11 duels, while winnnig two fouls as well, and that could be crucial if the Saints are to win promotion to the Premier League next season.

Elijah Just of New Zealand celebrates after scoring the team s first goal during a FIFA Mens World Cup 2026 Group Stage football match between Iran and New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium, in Inglewood on June 15th 2026 / Southampton manager Tonda Eckert during the EFL Sky Bet Championship Play Off Second Leg match between Southampton and Middlesbrough at the St Mary s Stadium, Southampton, UK on 12 May 2026
Elijah Just: Celtic accelerate move to sign Motherwell star after title victory
Elijah Just of New Zealand celebrates after scoring the team s first goal during a FIFA Mens World Cup 2026 Group Stage football match between Iran and New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium, in Inglewood on June 15th 2026 / Southampton manager Tonda Eckert during the EFL Sky Bet Championship Play Off Second Leg match between Southampton and Middlesbrough at the St Mary s Stadium, Southampton, UK on 12 May 2026
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Tonda Eckert may have no choice but to replace big-name stars

After missing out on promotion in rather frustrating circumstances, supporters are worried about their brightest and best leaving this summer, to say the least.

Leo Scienza continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League, with Leeds United and Aston Villa amongst those interested, while Shea Charles is unlikely to be at St Mary's for much longer.

It remains to be seen if any players will be seeking legal action for missed bonuses, but multiple could be eyeing exits due to the current situation.

Just may not only be a want, but also a need, given his ability to play anywhere in attack, and a move to the south coast seems like an incredible opportunity for him.

It's up to Southampton to act before either of Scotland's biggest sides claim his signature first.

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