Southampton facing Celtic, Rangers transfer threat in race for World Cup hero | OneFootball

Southampton have outlined a 'key target' after recent World Cup exploits with New Zealand, with Celtic and Rangers also keen on the Motherwell star...

The World Cup has long provided clubs with a unique scouting opportunity, allowing players from smaller leagues and lesser-known nations to showcase their abilities on football's biggest stage and clubs like Southampton and Scotttish giants Rangers and Celtic are certainly paying attention.

While modern recruitment departments rely far more on data, analytics, and year-round scouting than they once did, strong World Cup performances can still elevate a player's profile and accelerate transfer interest. Championship clubs have occasionally benefitted from this. Could Southampton be the next side to do so?

More broadly, clubs across the EFL have often used major tournaments to uncover value before prices soar. With the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 teams, there will be even more players in the spotlight. That presents another chance for Championship sides to identify emerging talent and secure bargains before bigger clubs inevitably take notice.

There have already been some surprises, with players for weaker nations performing well on the biggest stage of all, including Chris Wood's New Zealand. The veteran striker played in the EFL for numerous teams and assisted his teammate Elijah Just for a brace against Iran in their opening game.

Interest in Motherwell winger Elijah Just emerges from Southampton and Celtic

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Just's journey to the World Cup has been a gradual rise through New Zealand and European football. The winger came through the Ole Football Academy before breaking into senior football with Western Suburbs and Eastern Suburbs, helping the latter win the New Zealand Premiership in 2018/19.

He then earned a move to Denmark with FC Helsingor, later joining AC Horsens and spending a productive loan spell with Austrian side SKN St. Polten. His career took another step forward when he signed for Motherwell in 2025, registering seven goals and eight assists in his debut season while helping the club qualify for Europe and earning a PFA Scotland Player of the Year nomination.

Now 26, Just has just announced himself on the global stage. His sensational brace against Iran made him the first New Zealander to score twice in a World Cup match and New Zealand's all-time leading World Cup goalscorer already, ensuring his stock has never been higher.

The winger has 11 goals and three assists in 45 caps and is catching the eye, with Celtic reportedly backed to accelerate their bid for Just this summer. That's according to Football Insider, who state that the Scottish giants are "strong admirers".

They face competition from Rangers, while Just is described as the "perfect" addition for Southampton and Tonda Eckert. The Saints are looking to rebuild after missing out on promotion due to the Spygate scandal, with the 26-year-old now emerging as a "key target".

Elijah Just could replace Leo Scienza for Southampton

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Southampton could find themselves in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer, particularly if Leo Scienza departs as expected. Should that happen, Just looks like an intriguing replacement given his similar ability to both score goals and create chances for those around him.

The New Zealand international is enjoying the best form of his career and has shown that he can produce decisive moments on big occasions. Blessed with plenty of pace and directness, Just is capable of stretching defences, carrying the ball over long distances, attacking space in behind, but also contributing on both flanks.

That's because he is comfortable using either foot, which allows him to operate on either flank or even in more central attacking positions when required.That versatility would be a major asset for Southampton, while his recent performances suggest he is a player ready to take the next step.

Combined with his ever-improving end product, Just appears a strong fit for what the Saints could need. Any more goal involvements at this World Cup and his stock could rise too far, which is why the Saints may want to beat the competition as quickly as possible. That said, it appears Celtic are leading the race currently.