Shumaira Mheuka: England and Zimbabwe forward joins Celtic from Chelsea U21 on loan

England and Zimbabwe forward Shumaira Mheuka has joined Celtic from Chelsea U21 on loan until 30 June 2027.

The 18-year-old centre-forward, who was born in Birmingham, switches from Chelsea’s development side to the Scottish Premiership club after progressing through the London club’s academy.

Mheuka began his Chelsea career with the youth team before moving into the club’s under-18 side and then Chelsea U21. He joined Chelsea from Brighton’s youth set-up in July 2022 in a transfer worth €1.17m.

The move gives Mheuka experience in Scotland after he was part of Chelsea’s Conference League-winning squad in the 2024-25 season. He also helped Chelsea U18 win the English Youth League in 2025-26.

Mheuka is a right-footed forward standing 1.85m tall. His arrival at Celtic comes at the beginning of the 2026-27 campaign, with the loan scheduled to end on 30 June 2027, when he is due to return to Chelsea U21.

He has yet to make an appearance or register a goal or assist in Premier League 2 or the EFL Trophy this season, according to his current campaign record.

Mheuka’s development has included spells at three levels of the Chelsea system since joining from Brighton, while his international eligibility reflects his English and Zimbabwean nationality.

The transfer was completed on 2 September 2026, with Mheuka now registered as a Celtic player for the duration of his loan.