Celtic Move Closer to Adding Chelsea Youngster on Loan
Chelsea have agreed a Deadline Day deal to loan 18-year-old forward Shim Mheuka to Celtic for the rest of the 2026/27 campaign, with the player having undergone a medical on Tuesday, according to Standard Sport. The agreement is a straight loan and does not include an option to make the move permanent next summer.
The move would give Mheuka the opportunity for regular senior football during the campaign. Celtic have yet to announce the signing, but reports indicate that the deal has been agreed.
A Chelsea Prospect With Options
Mheuka committed his long-term future to Chelsea a week ago, signing new terms at Stamford Bridge that run until the summer of 2033. He won last season’s Premier League 2 Player of the Season award.
He joined Chelsea’s academy from Brighton in 2022 and has made nine senior appearances for the Blues since Enzo Maresca handed him his debut in December 2024, including two in the Premier League. An England Under-19 international, Mheuka is set for his first loan spell away from west London as he looks to impress current Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso.
Celtic’s forward options have been affected by injuries. Club-record £11million signing Kasper Hogh missed Saturday’s 2-1 home win over Falkirk, while Callum Osmand is also currently sidelined.
Where This Fits In The Bigger Picture
Celtic have won all three of their opening Scottish Premiership games this season. However, they entered the Europa League league phase after losing to LASK Linz in the Champions League play-off round, having surrendered a four-goal aggregate lead.
The move for Mheuka is part of Celtic’s late activity in the transfer window. Celtic previously held talks with Chelsea over a loan for teenage midfielder Landon Emenalo, and Standard Sport understands that the club’s interest in him remains. Any move is complicated by an injury expected to keep Emenalo out for around six weeks. Celtic have also been linked with Ecuador winger Kendry Paez.
What Happens Next
The summer window closes at 11pm BST on Tuesday. Standard Sport also reports that Celtic are expected to sign former England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on loan from Wolves before the deadline.
For Mheuka, the next step is the completion of the loan and his integration into the Celtic squad. The proposed move offers the young forward a chance to gain senior experience while remaining under contract with Chelsea.
Mon The Hoops.
