Chelsea are close to finalising a new long-term contract for academy striker Shumaira Mheuka before sending him on a season-long loan for the 2026-27 campaign, according to a Football Transfers report published on Sunday.
The 18-year-old England Under-19 international has entered the final year of his current contract, although Chelsea hold an option to extend it. Negotiations are said to be progressing well, with an agreement now close.
The club is expected to announce the new deal before confirming Mheuka’s loan move. Several clubs are interested in signing the forward, but no destination has been decided.
Mheuka enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Chelsea’s academy, winning the Premier League 2 Player of the Year award after scoring 17 goals in 17 league matches. He finished the season with 25 goals across all youth competitions and made four senior appearances.
Chelsea believe the youngster has outgrown academy football and needs regular first-team action to continue his development. With Joao Pedro, Emmanuel Emegha, Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu and Dastan Satpaev competing for attacking places, the club sees a loan spell as the best pathway before he challenges for a first-team role.
