The World Cup has historically provided clubs with a unique scouting opportunity, allowing players from smaller leagues and lesser-known nations to display their ability on football’s grandest stage, and teams such as Southampton and Scottish heavyweights Rangers and Celtic are undoubtedly paying notice.

While modern recruitment departments rely significantly more on data, analytics, and year-round scouting than in the past, excellent World Cup performances can nevertheless boost a player’s profile and increase transfer interest. Championship clubs have sometimes benefited from this. Could Southampton be the next team to do so?

More broadly, clubs in the EFL have frequently exploited key tournaments to find value before prices skyrocket. The 2026 World Cup will have 48 teams, putting even more players in the limelight. This provides another opportunity for Championship clubs to uncover rising talent and seal deals before larger clubs take notice.

There have already been some surprises, with players from lesser-known countries, like as Chris Wood’s New Zealand, doing admirably on the world stage. The veteran striker played in the EFL for several teams and supported his teammate Elijah. Just for a brace against Iran in their first match.

Interest in Motherwell winger Elijah Just emerged from Southampton and Celtic.

Just’s rise to the World Cup has been gradual, spanning New Zealand and European football. The winger started at the Ole Football Academy before moving up to senior football with Western Suburbs and Eastern Suburbs, where he helped the latter win the New Zealand Premiership in 2018/19.

He then moved to Denmark with FC Helsingor, before joining AC Horsens and completing a profitable loan spell with Austrian club SKN St. Polten. His career took another step forward when he moved with Motherwell in 2025, where he scored seven goals and eight assists in his debut season, helping the team qualify for Europe and garnering a PFA Scotland Player of the Year nomination.

Just, who is now 26, has recently made his international debut. With his amazing brace against Iran, he became the first New Zealander to score twice in a World Cup match and New Zealand’s all-time leading World Cup striker, ensuring his stock has never been better.

The winger has 11 goals and three assists in 45 appearances and is attracting attention, with Celtic apparently planning to up their bid for Just this summer. According to Football Insider, the Scottish giants are “strong admirers”.

Rangers will compete with them, and Just has been regarded as the “perfect” addition for Southampton and Tonda Eckert. The Saints are aiming to rebuild after missing out on promotion due to the Spygate scandal, and the 26-year-old is emerging as a “key target”.

Elijah Just could replace Leo Scienza at Southampton.

Southampton could be in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer, especially if Leo Scienza leaves as predicted. Should that happen, Just appears to be an intriguing substitute considering his similar ability to score goals and create opportunities for those around him.

The New Zealand international is in top form and has demonstrated his ability to provide key moments on important occasions. With plenty of pace and directness, Just can stretch defences, carry the ball long distances, attack space in behind, and contribute on both flanks.

That’s because he can play with either foot, allowing him to operate on either flank or in more central offensive areas as needed.That adaptability would be a huge advantage for Southampton, and his recent performances suggest he is ready to take the next step.

Combined with his ever-improving end product, Just appears to be a good fit for what the Saints might require. Any more goals in this World Cup and his worth might skyrocket, which is why the Saints may want to overcome the competition as soon as possible. Having saying that, Celtic appear to be winning the race right now.