NafisaCeltic have made a surprise late move for one of Chelsea’s brightest young attacking prospects as Martin O’Neill looks to strengthen his options before the European registration deadline.
The Hoops have already invested heavily in their forward line this summer, with Kasper Høgh arriving as a club-record signing and Camilo Durán also brought in to provide another attacking option. Yet the situation has changed considerably in recent days.
Høgh missed Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Falkirk, while Callum Osmand was forced to leave Celtic Park wearing a protective boot after appearing to suffer an injury shortly after coming off the bench.
That has left O’Neill facing an awkward situation in attack at a time when Celtic are preparing for a packed schedule domestically and in Europe.
Johnny Kenny remains another option, although his future has been the subject of speculation, with Bolton Wanderers having previously shown strong interest after his successful loan spell with the club.
And that could help explain why Celtic have suddenly turned their attention towards England.
The player at the centre of the late move is highly regarded at Stamford Bridge and has enjoyed a remarkable rise through Chelsea’s academy.
Shim Mheuka, an England Under-19 international, is now undergoing a medical in London ahead of a potential loan move to Celtic, according to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.
The 18-year-old has yet to establish himself as a regular first-team player at Chelsea, but his performances at youth level have already made him one of the club’s most exciting prospects.
Mheuka enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign with Chelsea’s development side, scoring 18 goals in 19 Premier League 2 appearances and earning the Player of the Season award.
His numbers underline why Celtic have been tempted to move for him despite already spending significantly on their attacking department.
Mheuka possesses the pace and finishing ability to offer something different to O’Neill’s current options, while a spell in Glasgow would give Chelsea an opportunity to expose one of their most highly-rated youngsters to regular senior football.
Chelsea clearly have major faith in the teenager. He recently agreed a new long-term contract which keeps him at Stamford Bridge until 2033, meaning the proposed move is about development rather than the Premier League club giving up on his future.
For Celtic, the timing is particularly significant.
The club have already suffered setbacks in attack, with Høgh unavailable against Falkirk and Osmand now facing an uncertain spell on the sidelines. Bringing in another forward would therefore provide O’Neill with greater protection during what promises to be a demanding period.
It could also have consequences for Kenny.
Bolton remain interested in bringing the Celtic striker back, having previously pursued him before securing him on loan in February.
If Mheuka arrives in Glasgow, Celtic would have another young forward available and could potentially feel more comfortable allowing Kenny to pursue an opportunity elsewhere.
The proposed deal is not yet officially complete, with the medical still part of the process, but the fact Mheuka is already being assessed shows how quickly Celtic have moved.
What initially appeared to be a quiet end to the window could therefore produce one of the more intriguing additions of O’Neill’s Celtic rebuild.
The Hoops are not simply looking for another body.
They are attempting to bring in a teenager who Chelsea regard highly enough to have tied down until 2033 — and Celtic now appear determined to give him the opportunity to prove himself at senior level in Glasgow.
Nafisa
