Who is Shumaira Mheuka? Chelsea's next superstar forward

Cameron Smith

24 Oct 2024 16:00 BST
8 min read

Shumaira Mheuka, Chelsea, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Chelsea’s use of their academy has been widely criticised under Clearlake Capital, with a number of homegrown players flogged for profit to enable the club’s ludicrous spending on new signings.

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However, the Blues continue to produce elite level talents and several of their current academy stars represent England at youth level and have been tipped to break into Enzo Maresca’s senior side in the near future.

Shumaira Mheuka is the latest youngster to make waves at Stamford Bridge, but who is he and how good can he become?

What position does Shumaira Mheuka play?

Mheuka is primarily a centre forward.

How good is Shumaira Mheuka?

Chelsea’s academy is one of the best in Europe and Mheuka is the club’s biggest number nine prospect.

He joined the Blues from Brighton & Hove Albion, along with a host of others, back in 2022 - aged just 14.

However, Mheuka has risen through the Chelsea youth ranks at breakneck speed and he was included in a first-team matchday squad for the first time against Panathinaikos in October 2024.

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A post shared by Shumaira Zion Mheuka (@shim.mheuka)

Mhueka made his U18 Premier League debut at the age of 14, during his time at Brighton, and he has continued his rapid ascent since moving to Chelsea.

The Englishman scored 12 goals in 20 appearances for Chelsea’s U18 side throughout the 2023-24 season, before playing a key role for England during the U17 European Championship during the summer.

As a result, Mheuka has been rewarded with a jump to England’s U19 side this campaign, skipping the U18s, and he scored against both France and the Netherlands during the October international break.

The teenager is now a regular member of Chelsea’s Premier League 2 squad and his potential may make the Blues consider whether Victor Osimhen is a necessary signing.

Mheuka became a full-time scholar ahead of the 2024-25 season and he signed his first professional contract with Chelsea after turning 17 in October 2024.

What clubs are interested in Shumaira Mheuka?

Mheuka has only just signed his first professional contract with Chelsea, so the Blues won’t be worried about losing him to a rival just yet.

However, he is considered to be one of England’s best young forwards and clubs from across the Premier League will no doubt be monitoring his situation at Chelsea over the next few years.