Motherwell manager Magnus Johansson has expressed confidence in building a competitive squad following the club’s recent high-profile player sales. The Scottish Premiership side began their 2026-27 campaign strongly, advancing through two rounds of Europa Conference League qualifying by defeating Havnar Boltfelag. Johansson is now focusing on their upcoming domestic fixture against Hibernian at Easter Road, ahead of a further European showdown with HJK Helsinki on Thursday.
“Our attention is fully on Hibs,” Johansson said, emphasizing the importance of securing a positive result as the domestic season begins.
The Norwegian coach highlighted new signing Alex Lowry, who joins from Wycombe Wanderers, as a key player with the potential to reach the standards set by former Motherwell talents Elijah Just, Elliot Watt, and Tawanda Maswanhise. Johansson noted that, like Lowry, these players experienced a period of career uncertainty before flourishing at Fir Park. Just was sold to Swansea City in a club-record transfer, Watt moved for a seven-figure fee to Turkish club Samsunspor, while Maswanhise remains with Motherwell after recovering from a jaw injury, with no current offers reported.
Speaking on Lowry, who is expected to feature against Hibernian, Johansson said: “We believe we can bring the best out of Alex. He is a big talent with offensive quality, especially in making decisive passes and one-on-one situations. His personality impressed me from the start, and he’s proven to be coachable and well-regarded by our staff and teammates.”
Johansson underlined the club’s commitment to fostering a supportive and hard-working environment that has helped previous players reach higher levels, stating that the development of talent is a key part of Motherwell’s identity.
Financially, the club has benefited from significant transfer income from the sales of Just, Watt, and goalkeeper Callum Ward. While Johansson deferred detailed questions about the budget to chief executive Brian Caldwell, he confirmed that the funds are being reinvested partly in stadium and training ground improvements, with some earmarked for new player acquisitions. Head of recruitment Nick Daws is actively working to strengthen the squad with a number of potential signings expected before the transfer window closes.
Johansson also reflected on the legacy of past players, emphasizing the focus on current talent: “When Eli left, he set a standard that inspires everyone at the club. Now my focus is on the players here, helping them improve and achieve their best. It’s not about replacing anyone individually but about developing the group as a whole.”
Motherwell’s early European results and renewed emphasis on nurturing young talent signal the club’s intent to maintain a strong presence both domestically and in continental competition this season.