Celtic complete loans for Johnstone and Chelsea teenage duo

Celtic have completed loan moves for Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and Chelsea teenagers Shumaira Mheuka and Landon Emenalo, adding three players to Martin O’Neill’s squad. BBC Sport reported that all three deals have been finalized, with Johnstone arriving to compete for the goalkeeping position and the two 18-year-olds providing options in attack and defence.

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Johnstone, 33, joins from Wolves and will challenge Finland international Viljami Sinisalo. The former Manchester United player has also represented Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace during his career, giving Celtic an experienced option. He won the most recent of his four England caps in 2023.

According to the BBC, Johnstone made 17 appearances last season but lost his starting place at Wolves in December. His last match was an FA Cup defeat by Liverpool in early March. Celtic had relied on Kasper Schmeichel as their first-choice goalkeeper from the summer of 2024, but Schmeichel played his final game in February before retiring because of a shoulder injury.

Mheuka joins Celtic after extending his Chelsea contract through 2031. The striker has made nine senior appearances for the London club, including four during Chelsea’s 2024-25 Conference League campaign. His only senior start came in that competition. Last season he captained Chelsea’s under-21 team and scored 18 goals in 19 games.

Emenalo, also 18, moves north to provide cover for Kieran Tierney at left-back. The BBC reported that he made 14 Premier League 2 appearances for Chelsea’s under-21 side last season and contributed three assists. O’Neill highlighted Emenalo’s speed, defensive ability and willingness to advance into attacking areas when discussing the signing.

O’Neill described Johnstone as a strong addition and also praised Mheuka’s quality. Johnstone said he was excited to join Celtic and welcomed the expectation to win and perform, adding that former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart had contacted him to reinforce his view of the club. The three completed loans give Celtic a blend of senior experience and developmental talent across three different positions.