Celtic Beat ‘Half the Championship’ to Signing

David Friel has picked out Shim Mheuka as one of Celtic’s most intriguing summer additions after the Hoops secured the highly rated Chelsea striker on loan.

The 18-year-old joined Celtic on a season-long deal after signing a new long-term contract at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea clearly viewing him as a player with significant potential.

Friel said: (Scottish Sun’s Set Piece), “Mheuka from Chelsea is the one I’m really, really interested in.

“Because talking to a couple of people down south, there was a lot of interest in him.

“He’s just signed a long-term Chelsea contract. I think they see him as a real star of the future.

“He’s powerful, he’s scored a lot of goals at youth level. He’s scored a lot of goals for England U19s.

“I think Chelsea have really high hopes for him, and I think half the Championship wanted to take him on loan. Celtic have managed to get him.”

Mheuka arrives with a strong youth record and was named Premier League 2 Player of the Season after an impressive campaign for Chelsea’s Under-21s.

He also already has senior experience with Chelsea and made his Celtic debut almost immediately, coming off the bench in the 3-0 win over Aberdeen at Celtic Park.

Friel also believes Celtic’s need for another forward became more obvious late in the window.

“I think part of the reason why Celtic have gone for him is that Callum Osmand is obviously injured now. We don’t know how long he’s going to be out for.

“You’re about to lose Yang to the Asian games; Kasper Hogh’s managing this groin injury, so Celtic started to look a little bit light in that area.

“So Celtic managed to get him in.”

With Hogh managing his fitness and Osmand sidelined, Mheuka should get chances to show why Chelsea were so keen to secure him on a long-term deal before allowing him to head to Glasgow.