Shim Mheuka is heading to Celtic on loan for the rest of the 2026/27 campaign after undergoing a medical on Tuesday. The Chelsea striker, who is 18, signed a new contract a week ago that runs until the summer of 2033.
Chelsea's decision on Mheuka
The move is a straight loan, with no option for a permanent transfer next summer. That fits Chelsea's current stance on a player who has only nine senior appearances for the club, including two in the Premier League since his debut in December 2024.
It is a clear sign that Chelsea want him tested at senior level rather than left in the margins. Mheuka has had minutes around the first team, but not enough to make the next step happen in west London.
Celtic's need for more attacking depth
Celtic have won all three of their opening Scottish Premiership games, yet the loan also lines up with a squad problem at the other end of the pitch. Kasper Hogh? No, not allowed. Celtic's late move for Mheuka came amid an injury to club-record £11million signing Kasper Hogh, who missed Saturday's 2-1 home win over Falkirk, and Callum Osmand is also out injured.
The injury situation is the obvious reason Celtic are looking for another forward now, even if the club have not spelled it out in those terms. They face Rangers at home on 2026-09-20, so extra depth up front could be needed quickly.
Mheuka leaves Chelsea with a new long-term deal in place and a first loan spell that should give him regular senior football. If Celtic use him immediately, the move gives both clubs what they want before the derby on 20 September.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
