The Old Firm War Is Back — Celtic and Rangers Set for Explosive Race to Sign Motherwell Star After His Outstanding World Cup Performances… One Club Has Reached an Agreement!”
One of Scottish football’s biggest transfer stories has taken a dramatic new twist as the battle between Celtic and Rangers for Motherwell winger Elijah Just appears to be entering its decisive stage. After weeks of intense speculation following the New Zealand international’s outstanding performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reports now suggest that one of the Old Firm clubs has reached an agreement in principle to sign the highly-rated attacker.
The latest development has sent shockwaves across Scottish football, with supporters of both Celtic and Rangers eagerly waiting to discover which side has moved ahead in one of the most fiercely contested transfer races of the summer.
Whenever Celtic and Rangers compete for the same player, the rivalry extends far beyond the pitch. Every transfer battle becomes a contest of ambition, financial strength and sporting vision. Neither club wants to lose out to its biggest rival, particularly when the player involved is regarded as one of the brightest talents currently playing in the Scottish Premiership.
Elijah Just has become exactly that player.
The Motherwell winger arrived at the World Cup looking to help New Zealand make an impression on the global stage. Few expected him to emerge as one of the tournament’s breakout stars, but his performances quickly changed that narrative.
Throughout the competition, Just displayed explosive pace, fearless dribbling, intelligent movement and impressive composure in the final third. Time and again, he caused problems for opposition defenders, creating chances while also contributing important goals and assists for New Zealand. His outstanding displays earned praise from football pundits and scouts alike, with many describing him as one of the revelations of the tournament.
Back in Scotland, those performances only strengthened the growing belief that the 26-year-old was ready to take the next step in his career.
Motherwell, aware that interest in their prized asset would increase after the World Cup, were prepared for offers to arrive. It did not take long before both Celtic and Rangers began closely monitoring the situation, each identifying Just as a player capable of adding quality, pace and creativity to their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.
For weeks, both clubs were believed to be evaluating potential offers while discussions continued behind the scenes. Supporters from both sides debated where the New Zealand international would fit best, with many convinced he could become one of the signings of the season.
Now, the transfer saga has reached another major milestone.
According to the latest reports, one of the two Glasgow giants has successfully reached an agreement regarding a deal for Elijah Just. The club that is willing to win the race is Celtic and the transfer has not been finalized, the breakthrough represents a significant step forward in negotiations.
Sources indicate that personal terms and the structure of the agreement have progressed positively, leaving the transfer closer than ever before. However, the move is not yet complete, meaning there is still room for further developments before any official announcement is made.
That uncertainty has given Rangers and Celtic supporters plenty to discuss.
Many fans believe the rival club could still attempt a late move to hijack the transfer before all paperwork is completed. Others feel Motherwell could yet receive an improved financial package that changes the direction of negotiations altogether.
With Elijah Just’s value soaring after his impressive World Cup campaign, Motherwell are understood to be determined to secure the best possible deal before allowing one of their most valuable players to leave.
As things stand, the race may not be completely over, but momentum has clearly shifted.
The club that has reportedly reached an agreement now appears to hold the advantage, while its Old Firm rival faces an anxious wait to see whether there is still an opportunity to change the outcome.
Until the transfer is officially confirmed by all parties, speculation is certain to continue. One thing, however, is beyond doubt: Elijah Just’s remarkable World Cup performances have transformed him into one of the hottest properties in Scottish football.
The Old Firm rivalry has once again spilled into the transfer market, and with one club now believed to have taken a crucial step toward securing the Motherwell star’s signature, football fans across Scotland will be watching closely to see who ultimately wins one of the summer’s most captivating transfer battles.
