Why Rangers could sign Elijah Just for a cut-price fee amid “open race” with Celtic
Rangers will be able to sign Motherwell star Elijah Just for a cut this summer, amid an “open race” with Scottish Premiership rivals Celtic.
He recently put himself in the shop window with the way he played in New Zealand in the World Cup. The All Whites may have been knocked out in the group stage, but their striker has impressed for his form, scoring three goals in as many games.
The right-back followed a fine season for Motherwell at club level, where he earned high praise from New Zealand boss Darren Bazeley, who said: “He actually looks like the best player in the league right now.
“It was actually another league player who told me that and I thought that was really good to hear.”
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
After failing to challenge for the title last season, Rangers are determined to attack their Premiership rivals in Scotland, with Lawrence Shankland, who has scored 16 league goals, arriving from Hearts. A new right winger may be needed, considering Oliver Antman has struggled to make ends meet, finding the net just once in the league. |
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Finance |
Due to the nature of his contract, the Motherwell star will be available for ‘well under’ £5m, which should be more than affordable, considering Derik McInnes could have £40m to play with. |
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Understanding |
Chris Wood praised his international team-mate after the 2-2 World Cup draw with Iran, saying: “Elijah is fantastic, he’s shown it all season at Motherwell and he stepped up today and scored two great goals and hopefully there will be many more in the World Cup campaign.” Indeed, the 26-year-old has had an impressive performance for the Steelmen, picking up seven goals and eight assists in 30 games. |
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Impact |
Antman could be demoted if Rangers manage to get a deal done for Just over the line, while Djeidi Gassama could agree to his preferred left-back instead of being deployed on the right-back. |
Elijah was recently set to be available for a reduced price charge
According to Football Insider, Rangers are now battling Celtic to sign the midfielder from Motherwell, with one source saying it is an “open race” and he will be available for a bargain price.
The New Zealand star has just one year left on his Motherwell deal, meaning the deal would be for less than £5m, and a move is starting to look ‘very likely’, as he looks to test himself at a senior club.
Elijah Just would be the best Oliver Antman
Antman has been involved in just four goals in 16 games in the Scottish Premiership, in a poor first campaign at Ibrox, so it is clear that Rangers need to deliver an upgrade this summer.
It could be just that, given that he only managed one goal in the World Cup, after bagging seven goals and eight assists for Motherwell last season.
The 47-capped New Zealander also created 11 big chances, compared to just three from the Rangers forward, who got just 696 minutes in action all campaign.
Signing top players in the Scottish Premiership can enable the Gers to continue fighting for the title next season, and Just is in that category.
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