Celtic have completed the signing of Chelsea striker Shim Mheuka on a season-long loan deal.
The 18-year-old has also signed a new contract with the Premier League club, keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2031. He becomes the latest addition to Martin O’Neill’s squad as Celtic look to strengthen their attacking options.
Mheuka joined Chelsea at the age of 13 and went on to make nine senior appearances for the club since making his first-team debut in a UEFA Conference League victory over Astana in December 2024.
The forward enjoyed an impressive campaign with Chelsea Under-21s last season, scoring 18 goals in 19 Premier League 2 appearances and captaining the side to a first-place finish. His performances saw him named the 2025/26 Premier League 2 Player of the Season.
Mheuka admitted he was delighted to have joined the Scottish champions and spoke of his excitement at playing in front of the Celtic support.
“It’s amazing. Walking in, I could feel the echo and the surround sound of the stadium. You almost feel the history as you walk in. It’s a real feeling. I wish everyone could feel it. It’s an amazing feeling and I’m so, so happy to be here.
“This is something that I’ve been doing since I was a little kid. To be able to do it in front of the Celts and the fans, and show my ability in front of them, is something that I can’t wait to do.
“It’s almost a feeling of excitement rather than nerves. I can’t wait to score at Celtic Park. I’ll be chasing that feeling every game and every chance that I get. I’m over the moon and buzzing to be here. I’m eager, if you can’t tell, so I’m ready. Let’s go.”
O’Neill believes the loan move will benefit both the player and Celtic during the coming season.
The Celtic manager said: “Shim has great quality, hence Chelsea extending his contract. However, I think this period of his career spent with us will be beneficial to him and, obviously, to us.
“I look forward to working with him. He is a player who I think can give us another great attacking dimension, and I’m sure he will make an important contribution to Celtic.”
Mheuka now joins a Celtic side that have made a perfect start to their Scottish Premiership title defence, winning each of their opening three league matches and currently top as they look to secure their 6th league title in a row.
He will face stiff competition with Kasper Hogh, Camilo Duran, and Callum Osmand the current strikers - after Johnny Kenny was sold to Preston North End on transfer deadline day.