Ange Postecoglou tells Celtic a Hoops transfer target is set for summer move as 'unbelievable' season praised
The star has been linked to Celtic after a breakout at another Premiership side.
Ange Postecoglou has told Celtic one of their summer targets is likely heading for a move this transfer window.
The former Hoops, Tottenham and Australia boss is on punditry duties for ITV at the World Cup and has cast his eye over a range of matches. He’s watched New Zealand’s campaign where they have drawn 2-2 with Iran and lost 3-1 against Egypt. They face a final group game against Belgium this weekend to try and stay in the tournament with Elijah Just likely to be key.
He scored a brace against Iran and against showed quality in their second clash with Egypt. Just was a standout for Motherwell in the Premiership after joining in the summer of 2025 and Celtic have been strongly linked with raiding Fir Park for him. Postecoglou expects the playmaker to make a move after showing his prowess on the World Cup stage.
What Ange Postecoglou said about Celtic transfer target
He said: “Elijah Just has had an unbelievable season at Motherwell. He will probably get a move. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he gets a move from there. But New Zealand have produced a lot of players like that – they have always had really tricky wingers or people with speed working around Chris Wood. It’s a system they are really, really comfortable with. When you are so focused on a central man like Chris Wood, it opens up so much space for other guys.”
New Zealand boss Darren Bazeley said after Just’s double-scoring display: I thought he was outstanding today, Eli. It didn’t surprise me. I’ve known him for a long time, and he’s played really well for the All-Whites, scored goals and had great performances. This year — and again, people probably don’t know — he’s playing in Scotland for Motherwell, and he’s had an outstanding year.
“He’s scored goals, got Player of the Season, almost got Player of the [Scottish Premiership], made team of the year… so he’s had an outstanding season in Scotland. And he brought that with him. He brought that today and showed the world how dangerous he can be.
What is Elijah Just like as a player?
“He is slight-built, but he gets into pockets, gets turned, and he’s quick. He’s great with the ball, very intelligent, links with [Chris Wood] really well, like the goal. I think a lot of people are probably watching that today and saying: ‘He’s a very good player, he’s building his career and this is probably going to help him a lot.”
Postecoglou won five trophies out of six available to him domestically during two years as Celtic manager. His high-octane style of football won many plaudits before he headed south for Tottenham. Results in the Premier League came under fire in his final season, and ultimately cost him his job, but the Aussie did win the Europa League. Postecoglou has been out of football management since a short stint with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League last year.