Shim Mheuka: Chelsea in talks to tie academy starlet down to new deal as loan move mooted | OneFootball

Prolific striker has impressed in academy ranks and could be sent to gain first-team experience elsewhere

The striker’s current contract expires in 2027, but Standard Sport understands the Blues have been working to tie down his future to the club before sending him out on loan for regular first-team football during the 2026-27 season.

It is believed that the 18-year-old is close to agreeing to the new terms being floated by Chelsea.

A loan is likely for the upcoming season, with EFL clubs and some in Europe having registered their interest.

Mheuka is thought of highly at Cobham and won the Premier League 2 player of the season award in 2025/26 for his regular goalscoring for Chelsea’s Under-21s.

Shim Mheuka made his Chelsea debut in a Conference League defeat of FC Astana

Mheuka led the Blues’ academy side to the league title, scoring 18 goals in just 19 appearances.

After picking up the award, the teenager had said: “It has been a great season for me and I’m very proud to receive this award.

Mheuka has made nine appearances for Chelsea’s first team since making his debut in a UEFA Conference League match against Astana in December 2024.

The Birmingham-born Mkeuka is also a regular in England’s youth ranks, with 16 goals in 23 appearances for the U19 side.

His football career began when he joined Brighton’s academy setup at just nine years old, where his younger brother Tendah still plays, before he moved to Chelsea at 15.