Celtic Football Club have confirmed the acquisition of Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan from Spanish side Real Oviedo, finalising a deal that could rise to roughly £9 million when all performance-related add‑ons are accounted for. The 24‑year‑old international completed his medical examination in London and subsequently signed a four‑year contract, with the club retaining an option to extend the agreement by an additional twelve months if they choose.
The transfer fee structure is reported to consist of an upfront payment of about £6 million, supplemented by up to £3 million in conditional bonuses. A sizeable portion of those bonuses is tied directly to Celtic’s progress in the UEFA Champions League – specifically, the club will trigger a payment if it advances to the group stage later this month.
With the Champions League play‑off against Austrian side LASK Linz looming next week, Celtic are racing against the registration deadline, which falls on Thursday. The club still has the chance to add two more players before the final cut‑off on the following Tuesday, meaning Hassan’s paperwork must be processed promptly to make him eligible for the crucial tie. Speaking to Celtic’s media channels, the new signing expressed his enthusiasm for the move: "I’m really grateful to be here and really happy.
Celtic is a massive club. When I was growing up, the club was always in the Champions League and had big players. I’m really looking forward to getting on the pitch with the guys." He went on to reflect on his career trajectory, noting, "At 24, I think it’s a good moment for me to move away from Spain. I’ve been there for six years.
With Celtic’s history, all the great players, the fans and the atmosphere, I think this is the perfect moment for me. I know I’m joining a big club, the biggest club in Scotland, and I’m really looking forward to taking the next step." Hassan’s arrival follows a busy summer for the Glasgow giants, who have already secured the services of forwards Camilo Duran and Kasper Høgh. The Egyptian winger had attracted attention during the recent World Cup, where his performances for the national side highlighted his pace, technical ability, and eye for goal.
Celtic had identified him as a long‑term target, seeking a left‑footed player capable of operating on the right flank – a profile that fits Hassan perfectly. During the 2023‑24 season with Real Oviedo, Hassan featured in 38 matches, primarily on the right wing, and contributed three assists. While his goal tally was modest, his work rate, dribbling skill, and capacity to create space for teammates were praised by his former coaches. Those attributes align with Celtic’s desire to inject more attacking dynamism into their side, especially as they prepare for the heightened intensity of European competition.
Manager Martin O’Neill welcomed the signing, stating, "We are delighted to bring Haissem to Celtic and I think the club has done really well to secure a player of such quality, with a number of other clubs interested in him. He is someone who I think has the ability and experience to do very well for us, performing at a high level in domestic and international football.
I know he is excited about being with us and I am sure our fans will enjoy the energy and attacking intent which Haissem will bring to matches. I hope he will become a very important member of our squad going forward." O’Neill’s comments underline the strategic importance of the transfer: Celtic are not merely adding depth, but seeking a player who can influence games at both domestic and continental levels. The timing of Hassan’s signing is particularly significant given Celtic’s upcoming Champions League play‑off against LASK Linz.
The Scottish side will need to navigate a two‑legged tie to secure a place in the lucrative group stage, where the financial rewards and prestige are substantial. Having a fresh, pace‑driven winger available could provide the tactical flexibility O’Neill desires, allowing the team to exploit the flanks and stretch opposition defenses. Beyond the immediate tactical considerations, Hassan’s presence also reflects Celtic’s broader recruitment philosophy under the current board.
The club has been keen to blend experienced internationals with promising talent, ensuring a balanced squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. By securing a player who has already demonstrated his abilities in a competitive European league, Celtic are reinforcing their ambition to re‑establish themselves as a regular fixture in the later stages of the Champions League. For fans, the arrival of an Egyptian international adds a new cultural dimension to the club’s global outreach.
Celtic’s fan base, which spans continents, will likely welcome the opportunity to see a player from North Africa don the iconic green and white hoops. This could also open avenues for increased commercial partnerships and viewership in the Middle East and North Africa, markets that have shown growing interest in European football. In summary, Haissem Hassan’s transfer to Celtic is a multi‑faceted move that addresses immediate squad needs, aligns with long‑term strategic goals, and offers commercial benefits.
With his medical cleared, contract signed, and registration pending, the Egyptian winger is poised to make his debut in one of the most critical periods of Celtic’s season. Should he adapt quickly to the pace of the Scottish Premiership and the demands of European competition, he could become a key figure in the club’s quest for domestic titles and a return to the Champions League group stage.