What's next for Chelsea's Mheuka?

Chelsea striker Shumaira 'Shim' Mheuka is keen for more chances in football in the near future.

The 18-year-old has scored 11 goals in his last seven matches for England Under-19s, a team featuring players such as Max Dowman, Chris Rigg, Harry Amass, Rio Ngumoha, Jeremy Monga and Divine Mukasa – all of whom have played more senior minutes this season.

In total, Mheuka has 25 goals in 23 games for club and country this season, as Chelsea's academy team takes a break for Christmas.

However, despite being one of three academy players – along with Reggie Walsh and Landon Emenalo – Mheuka and his colleagues did not feature against Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup and instead played an FA Youth Cup match at Brentford.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca started current third-choice striker Marc Guiu instead.

Mheuka is open to a loan move in January. Chelsea are positive about his development and accept he is knocking on the door of men's football. They will take the best available decision after assessing all options.

Goals, assists, strength and speed are among Mheuka's standout attributes, and he often wears the captain's armband in Premier League 2 and Uefa Youth League matches.

Born in Birmingham, Mheuka is of Zimbabwean heritage, with several family members – including his father, Malcolm – having played professionally.

He joined Brighton's academy at the age of nine before moving to Chelsea, the club he supported as a boy, ahead of multiple rivals at 15.

Mheuka signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday in October 2024 and made his debut against Astana in the Conference League.

However, he has featured only once this season – a 20-minute appearance against Lincoln in the Carabao Cup, the last of his six senior appearances to date.