Motherwell have reached an agreement with Swansea City for the transfer of New Zealand international Elijah Just, in a deal that sees the Steelmen smash their previous club record sale for midfielder Lennon Miller. The move, reported by the Daily Record, ends weeks of speculation linking the 24-year-old with a move to Celtic and other clubs, with the Swans now poised to secure his signature.
The transfer fee is understood to be in the region of £9 million, eclipsing the £3 million Motherwell received from Millwall for Lennon Miller earlier this year. Just, who joined Motherwell from Danish side Helsingør in 2023, has been a standout performer in the Scottish Premiership, attracting interest from several English Championship and Premier League clubs. His performances for New Zealand at the 2026 World Cup further elevated his profile, with scouts from multiple clubs tracking his progress.
Swansea City have been active in the summer transfer window under manager Luke Williams, and the addition of Just is seen as a significant coup. The midfielder, who can operate on either wing or as an attacking midfielder, brings pace, creativity, and a proven goal threat. Last season, he scored 12 goals and provided 8 assists in all competitions for Motherwell, helping the club secure a top-six finish in the Scottish Premiership.
The deal represents a major financial windfall for Motherwell, who have a history of developing and selling talent. The club's record sale had been Lennon Miller's £3 million move to Millwall in January, but the Just transfer more than triples that figure. The funds are expected to be reinvested into the squad as manager Stuart Kettlewell looks to build a team capable of challenging for European places.
Just's agent had previously indicated that a move away from Fir Park was likely this summer, with Celtic among the clubs linked. However, it is Swansea who have moved decisively to secure the player's services. The Welsh club, who finished 10th in the Championship last season, are hoping Just can provide the creative spark needed to push for promotion.
The transfer is subject to a medical and personal terms, but sources close to the deal suggest both are expected to be completed without issue. Just is expected to travel to South Wales in the coming days to finalise the move, which could be announced officially by the end of the week.
For Motherwell, the sale of Just is a bittersweet moment. While the club will benefit financially, losing a player of his calibre is a blow. However, the record fee provides Kettlewell with significant resources to strengthen the squad. The club has already been linked with several targets in Scotland and abroad as they look to reinvest the proceeds.
The transfer also highlights the growing trend of Scottish Premiership clubs selling players for substantial fees, with the league increasingly seen as a proving ground for talent moving to the English Football League and beyond. Just's move to Swansea follows similar high-profile exits from Scottish clubs in recent windows, including Matt O'Riley's move to Brighton and Reo Hatate's transfer to Celtic.
Swansea City fans will be eager to see Just in action, with the player expected to add a new dimension to the team's attack. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one and deliver quality crosses makes him a valuable asset in the Championship, where physicality and pace are key. The Swans have been searching for a consistent wide threat since the departure of several key attackers in recent seasons, and Just appears to fit the bill.
The deal also underscores the importance of the Daily Record's reporting in breaking transfer news, with the outlet first revealing the agreement between the two clubs. The story has been widely picked up by other media outlets, including the BBC and Friends of Football New Zealand, confirming the significant interest in the transfer.
