Swansea City have completed the signing of New Zealand international Elijah Just from Motherwell, subject to the relevant approval — making the winger the club’s third signing of the summer.
The 26-year-old has agreed a three-year deal with the option of a further 12 months, and will wear the number eight shirt.
Just arrives off the back of a breakout World Cup, scoring twice in the All Whites’ opening group game against Iran and once against Belgium in their final fixture — with his opening goal against Iran nominated for goal of the tournament.
The three goals made him New Zealand’s top men’s scorer at the tournament, and the first player from the national team to score a brace at a World Cup finals.
Neither club has disclosed the fee, but reports in Scotland put it at more than £5m — a record sale for Motherwell.
The deal reunites Just with fellow New Zealand international Marko Stamenic, who joined the Swans from Nottingham Forest last summer — and Just says his teammate helped seal the move.
“I’m lucky to have Marko here; we’ve obviously spoken on the phone a lot, and he’s told me a lot about the club and the playing style,” he said.
“I’m over the moon — to be here now is pretty cool.”
Just also spoke to defender Stephen Welsh, whose move from Celtic the Swans pushed through this summer.
“Welshy is here too. As soon as Swansea showed interest, I researched as much as I could and it’s an incredible club,” he said. “I spoke to him, and he is enjoying his time here very much.”
Looking back on the tournament, Just said: “It was a long journey, to make it to a World Cup with all the boys was so special. Scoring was an unbelievable feeling. In a World Cup, you know games are going to be tough. I never thought I would score, let alone three goals.”
Just said the Championship was a step he had long wanted to take. “I can’t wait, it’s something I’ve wanted to do in my whole career,” he said. “I’ve watched a lot of Championship games, and it’s a tough league. I’m looking forward to playing many games, I think it’ll suit me well.”
“I’m looking forward to being out there with the boys, contributing and hopefully we can do something special.”
Born in Palmerston North, Just began his senior career in New Zealand with Western Suburbs and Eastern Suburbs before moving to the Danish top flight in 2019, and made the switch to Scotland in 2025.
He made 43 appearances and scored seven goals for Motherwell, where he was shortlisted for PFA Scotland’s Premiership Player of the Year in his debut season and named the club’s player of the season.
Head coach Vitor Matos said the club was excited by the winger’s flexibility. “He can play in more than one position, and his versatility will be a great fit in the side,” he said.
“Elijah joins us after performing well in all aspects of our recruitment process, and after a brilliant performance at the World Cup, and we are very happy to have him with us.”
Sporting director Ben Stevens said: “Delighted for Elijah to join us, he will add quality to our attack with the ability to play in multiple positions.”
“He had a phenomenal World Cup with New Zealand where he really introduced himself onto the world footballing stage after a standout season with Motherwell.”
Just’s arrival follows a window that has also seen Ethan Galbraith depart for Stoke and an injury to Franco disrupt midfield plans, with pre-season underway after the draw with Holstein Kiel and defeat against VfL Bochum.
Swansea are next in action against Italian heavyweights Udinese on Friday, 24 July 12 pm kick-off, during their training camp.
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