Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
On Wednesday afternoon, Celtic confirmed the arrivals of Chelsea duo Shim Mheuka and Landon Emenalo on loan – and by Wednesday night, Mheuka was making his debut.
Emenalo has long been linked with a move to Celtic but was made to wait before completing his loan move to Lennoxtown after suffering an injury while on Chelsea’s pre-season tour. A deal did get done.
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson
His arrival came after the announcement on Wednesday afternoon that Mheuka had also completed a move to Parkhead. The duo were two of five additions made by Celtic ahead of the Scottish deadline.
On Wednesday night, Martin O’Neill’s defending Scottish champions hosted Aberdeen and cruised to a 3-0 win. An easy victory for Celtic, their fourth win from four league games, scoring 11 and conceding two.
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Celtic fans impressed by Chelsea talent Shim Mheuka’s cameo
Emenalo was not involved on the night as he continues to prove his fitness, but Mheuka was included in the squad. O’Neill introduced the Chelsea teen, who has clocked up nine senior games for the Blues.
Celtic v Aberdeen - William Hill Premiership 2026/27
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Celtic fans reacted to his performance on social media, which included some neat touches and hold-up play as well as a driving run in the box, going past a couple of players and seeing a low shot well saved.
“Looks very decent” was the reaction of another Celtic supporter, while one said he “looks incredibly sharp” and asked “what on earth are they feeding the Chelsea academy boys”, after his 15 minutes.
The praise for Mheuka continued to come in, with one saying he “looked really lively tonight”. The same fan added, “hope to see more of him”, while another said he “put himself about, unlucky not to score”.
“The real deal” was the take of another Bhoys fan, while one fan is worried about falling in love given it’s a loan: “big Mheuka is going to be the latest player in the “never fall in love with a loan player” category”.
Celtic is going to be a big test for Mheuka this season
Ironically, Mheuka is going to be playing European football this season, while Chelsea failed to qualify for European competition. Celtic face Hungarian side Ferencvaros in a fortnight in the Europa League.
Mheuka is going to struggle to start for Celtic, with the Hoops paying a record fee to sign Kasper Hogh earlier in the window. The Dane was missing on Wednesday night, and O’Neill has other strikers to use.
But if his cameo against Aberdeen is anything to go by, Mheuka is going to impress in Scotland. His raw physicality is something Celtic can use up top, and onlooking Chelsea scouts will have been impressed.
Especially when there could be an opening up front at Chelsea – given Danny Welbeck’s age and doubts over Emmanuel Emegha. The latter was voted the Premier League’s worst signing of the summer window.