The agreement is for a straight loan with no option for a permanent transfer next summer, and comes just a week after Mheuka committed his long-term future to Chelsea by signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge that runs until 2033 — an unusually lengthy deal for a player who only turned 18 in the spring.
More than a dozen clubs across England and Europe had registered interest in taking him on loan this summer, according to reports, but it is Celtic who have won the race to secure his signature.
Born in Birmingham, Mheuka joined Chelsea's academy from Brighton in 2022 as a 15-year-old, in a deal reported at £1m rising to £4.25m with performance add-ons. He made history in March 2025 by becoming the youngest player to start a European match for Chelsea, in a 2-1 win away at Copenhagen in the Conference League, and made his first-team debut the previous December as a substitute against Astana in the same competition.
He has gone on to make nine senior appearances in total, including two in the Premier League, since being given his debut by current head coach Enzo Maresca.
Mheuka's underage form has been prolific enough to make him one of the most closely watched prospects at Cobham. He won the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award last term after scoring 18 goals in 19 games to help Chelsea's Under-21 side to the title, and has also excelled for England, netting 16 goals in 23 appearances for the Under-19s.
Celtic, who have won all three of their opening Scottish Premiership fixtures this season, are aiming to build on a title win last term that saw them pip surprise package Hearts to the trophy on the final day — their 14th championship in the last 15 years.
Chelsea's decision to sanction the loan reflects a belief that regular senior football in a competitive top-flight environment will accelerate Mheuka's development more effectively than continued football with the club's Under-21 side, even as he continues to be regarded as central to Chelsea's long-term forward-line plans.