Celtic Snap Up This Premier League Ace On A Season-long Loan: Why It’s A Smart Move From The Hoops | OneFootball

If renowned Scottish journalist Anthony Joseph‘s recent update is true, Celtic are set to rope in Shim Mheuka on a season-long loan from Chelsea. The teenage centre-forward recently penned a new deal to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2033, and the English giants have now sanctioned a temporary exit to grab regular minutes.

The 18-year-old England youth international progressed through Brighton & Hove Albion’s academy ranks, earning his U18 debut at 14. However, he joined the Blues before turning professional and has made 9 senior appearances across competitions so far. His exquisite scoring run for the reserves caught the eye of several top European outfits, but the Hoops seem to have won the race, as they look to add depth and inject more firepower high up the pitch.

Celtic were late to react over the past couple of windows. They snapped up Kelechi Iheanacho last summer on a Bosman, but the Nigerian hitman, despite netting some decisive goals, struggled with persistent fitness concerns. He opted not to stay at Parkhead for a surprise switch to Turkish second-tier side Bursaspor, and the club decided against converting Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu’s loans into permanent transfers after below-par performances from the striking duo since their January move.

Why Celtic Have Made A Smart Move

Meanwhile, the Bhoys lost Daizen Maeda earlier this window, as the versatile Japanese ace earned a Premier League swoop with newly-promoted Ipswich Town. But the board has backed Martin O’Neill by snapping up Camilo Duran and Kasper Høgh. Duran is viewed as Maeda’s like-for-like successor for his flexibility across the frontline, whereas Høgh, tied down for a club-record fee of £11m (plus add-ons) from Bodø/Glimt, is more suited as a targetman.

LINCOLN, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Shim Mheuka of Chelsea battles for possession with Tom Hamer of Lincoln City during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Lincoln City and Chelsea at LNER Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Lincoln, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Nevertheless, Celtic had to step up the chase for another ‘number 9’ after Callum Osmand’s injury. The youngster was supposed to have his breakout season after showing glimpses of his quality last term despite an injury-ravaged spell. But he has apparently sustained another blow, as he was spotted leaving Celtic Park on crutches, with his left foot in a boot.

Johnny Kenny impressed on a brief loan at Bolton Wanderers in the second half of the previous campaign, and it remains to be seen whether O’Neill retains the 23-year-old as a third-choice after Osmand’s injury. Duran has often been deployed from the right flank, and with Thursday Night Europa League football in place, the Celts have made the correct call by securing the Chelsea prospect, who has made significant strides in his technical ability, pace and physical presence in and around the opponent’s box.