Motherwell have agreed a deal to sell New Zealand international Elijah Just to Swansea City in a transfer that smashes the club's previous record fee, surpassing the amount received for Lennon Miller. The Championship side have moved swiftly to secure the midfielder, who had been linked with a move to Celtic earlier in the summer window.
The Steelmen have been in negotiations with the Swans for several days, and a breakthrough was reached late on Sunday. The fee is understood to be in the region of £9 million, with add-ons that could push the total package significantly higher. This eclipses the £3 million Motherwell received from Millwall for Miller in 2024.
Just, 25, has been one of the standout performers in the Scottish Premiership since joining Motherwell from Danish side Helsingør in 2023. His dynamic displays from midfield, combined with his eye for goal, attracted interest from several clubs, including Celtic, who were reportedly monitoring his situation closely. However, it is Swansea who have won the race for his signature.
The New Zealand international, who featured at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is expected to travel to South Wales in the coming days to finalise personal terms and undergo a medical. The deal represents a significant financial windfall for Motherwell, who have a track record of developing talent and selling for substantial profits.
Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell had previously acknowledged the likelihood of Just departing this summer, given the level of interest. The club's recruitment model relies on identifying undervalued assets and moving them on for a premium, and the Just transfer is the latest example of that strategy paying dividends.
For Swansea, the acquisition of Just signals their intent to compete at the top end of the Championship. The club have been active in the transfer market under head coach Luke Williams, and adding a player of Just's calibre is a statement of ambition. The Welsh side will be hoping the New Zealander can replicate the form that made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in Scotland.
The transfer also has implications for the Scottish Premiership, where Motherwell will now have significant funds to reinvest in the squad. The club have already been linked with several targets across Europe as they look to strengthen ahead of the new season. The sale of Just, while a blow to their on-field prospects, provides the financial firepower to rebuild.
Just's agent had previously been candid about the player's desire to test himself at a higher level, and a move to the English Championship provides that opportunity. The midfielder's versatility allows him to operate in a number of roles across the midfield and attack, making him a valuable asset for Swansea's system.
The deal is expected to be officially announced once the medical and paperwork are completed, with Swansea keen to integrate Just into their squad ahead of the Championship campaign. Motherwell, meanwhile, will turn their attention to identifying a replacement as they prepare for the new Scottish Premiership season.
