Celtic are yet to get going in the summer transfer market, and it should be a worry.
As the 2026 summer transfer window opened on Monday, much-talked-about Celtic transfer target Elijah Just spectacularly announced his arrival on the World Cup stage.
Just netted a brace for New Zealand as they recorded a 2-2 draw in their World Cup opener against Iran, with Chris Sutton wowed by his display in Los Angeles.
The former Celtic striker labelled Just as ‘intelligent’ and ‘sensational’, as he became the first New Zealander to net a brace on the world stage.
- READ MORE: Andy Walker states what Martin O’Neill will be telling Celtic board about the summer transfer window
Would Elijah Just be a good addition to the Celtic team?
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Chris Sutton wowed by Elijah Just’s brace for New Zealand against Iran at World Cup
During the recent campaign, Just showcased his high-quality technical ability, as Motherwell, under the guidance of the now-departed Jens Berthel Askou, played the best football on the Scottish domestic scene.
Just has continued to do that for his country, including two well-taken goals against Iran, which impressed Sutton, who was commenting on the game for BBC One.
On Just’s opening goal: “Elijah Just is such an intelligent player,” said Sutton. “It’s clever feet and an excellent finish. That was too easy for Chris Wood, being allowed to turn and using his physicality to put the ball down.
“Iran had the better start to the game, but now they have plenty of work to do.
On Just’s second goal: “What a player. That was sensational from Elijah Just. Chris Wood is involved once again.
“A couple of quick touches and Just passes to Wood with the outside of his left foot, and the pass back from Wood was weighted perfectly. It allows Just to run onto it and lift it over Beiranvand.”
Sutton worried Celtic have missed the chance to sign Just
The issue now is that Just’s price has just increased, and New Zealand still have two games to go, which could further increase it.
The All Whites are currently top of Group G after everyone drew their matches, including Belgium and Egypt sharing the spoils.
But from Sutton’s perspective, he feels that the champions of Scotland should have been more pro-active with the Motherwell star.
“Celtic should’ve snapped Elijah Just up before now,” added Sutton on social media. “Now it could really cost them… tremendous performance from him👏👏”
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