Swansea City announce World Cup star as third summer signing

The 26-year-old attracted interest from across the globe after scoring three goals at this summer’s World Cup

Swansea City have announced the signing of New Zealand winger Elijah Just from Scottish Premiership side Motherwell.

The 26-year-old recently returned from the World Cup, where he scored three goals in as many games to become his country’s all-time leading goalscorer in the tournament. His impressive performances attracted the attention of clubs around the world, with Celtic amongst those interested, but he has now committed his future to Vitor Matos’ side.

He becomes the Swans’ third signing of the summer after Stephen Welsh – who played alongside Just at Motherwell last season – and Moussa Yeo.

Putting pen to paper on a three-year deal, with the option of another year, the attacker also joins international team-mate Marko Stamenić at the Swansea.com Stadium.

The fee for Just has not been disclosed by the Championship club. However, our colleagues at the Daily Record report that Motherwell agreed a club-record fee with Swansea for Just.

They report the “multi-million deal” said to eclipse the sale of Scotland international Lennon Miller to Udinese last summer, which was said to eventually be worth £5 million.

After putting pen to paper on his Swans deal, Just said: “I’m over the moon, to be here now is pretty cool.

“I’m lucky to have Marko [Stamenic] here, we’ve obviously spoken on the phone a lot and he’s told me a lot about the club, and the playing style.

“Welshy [Stephen Welsh] is here too. As soon as Swansea showed interest, I researched as much as I could and it’s an incredible club. I spoke to him, and he is enjoying his time here very much.”

On his recent showing at the World Cup, he added: “It was a long journey, to make it to a World Cup with all the boys was so special.

“The stadiums and the fans were incredible. We were a little disappointed not to make it out of the group, but we had a great time.

“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. New Zealand doesn’t have that much history at the World Cup, so hopefully there’s many to come.”

With the new Championship season getting under way next month, Just continued: “I can’t wait, it’s something I’ve wanted to do in my whole career. 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.”

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