Celtic Football Club have confirmed the acquisition of Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan from Spanish side Real Oviedo in what is reported to be a deal potentially worth around £9 million. The 24‑year‑old international completed his medical examination in London and has officially signed a four‑year contract, with the club retaining an option to extend the agreement by an additional twelve months should they wish to do so. The financial terms of the transfer have been disclosed in broad strokes: Celtic have agreed to pay an upfront fee of roughly £6 million, with further payments of up to £3 million contingent on a series of performance‑related add‑ons. A significant portion of those conditional bonuses is tied directly to Celtic’s progress in the upcoming Champions League campaign, specifically the club’s aim to reach the group‑stage phase later this month.
If that objective is achieved, a large share of the extra payments will be triggered, rewarding both the player and the selling club for their contributions. Timing is of the essence, as the Scottish champions need to register Hassan in order for him to be eligible for the crucial Champions League play‑off tie against Austrian side LASK Linz, scheduled for next week. The registration deadline falls on Thursday, with a further window allowing the addition of two more players before the following Tuesday. Celtic are therefore working swiftly to ensure all paperwork is completed in time for the match, giving Hassan the chance to be part of the squad for what could be a decisive encounter in their European ambitions.
In a press interview with club media, Hassan expressed his enthusiasm for the move, stating: "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 explain that, at 24, he felt the moment was right to leave Spain after six years of playing there, adding, "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 productive summer for the Egyptian international, during which he impressed at the recent World Cup and attracted interest from several European clubs. Celtic had identified him as a long‑term target, particularly because they were seeking a left‑footed player capable of operating on the right wing—a profile that fits Hassan’s natural strengths. Over the course of the 2023‑24 season with Real Oviedo, he featured in 38 matches, providing three assists from his preferred wide position.
While his goal tally was modest, his ability to stretch defenses, deliver accurate crosses and contribute to the team’s attacking rhythm caught the eye of the Celtic scouting department. The signing of Hassan marks the third addition to Celtic’s summer transfer window, joining the arrivals of forwards Camilo Duran and Kasper Høgh. Both of those signings were intended to bolster the club’s attacking options, and Hassan’s pace, dribbling skill and work rate are expected to complement the existing forward line, giving manager Martin O'Neill a wider array of tactical choices as the team prepares for both domestic and European challenges.
Speaking about the new acquisition, O'Neill said, "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." Celtic’s strategic push for Hassan reflects a broader ambition to reinforce the squad ahead of a demanding schedule that includes the Scottish Premiership, domestic cup competitions, and a potentially lucrative Champions League run. The club’s management believes that adding a dynamic winger with international experience will not only improve the team’s width and creativity but also provide a fresh impetus for younger players in the academy who look up to senior internationals as role models. Beyond the immediate tactical benefits, Hassan’s presence is also expected to have commercial and branding implications.
As an Egyptian international who has featured on the world stage, he brings a new demographic of fans and potential sponsorship opportunities, especially in the Middle East and North Africa region. Celtic’s global outreach initiatives have long sought to tap into emerging markets, and the signing of a high‑profile player from that part of the world aligns with those strategic objectives. The upcoming Champions League play‑off against LASK Linz will be Hassan’s first test with his new teammates.
While he may not be thrust into the starting eleven immediately, the manager has indicated that the player will be integrated gradually, allowing him to adapt to the physicality and tempo of Scottish football while learning the tactical nuances of O'Neill’s system. Celtic’s supporters, known for their passionate support at Celtic Park, will be eager to see how the new signing settles in, especially given the club’s tradition of nurturing talent and delivering success on the European stage. If all goes to plan, Hassan could become a key figure in Celtic’s quest to return to the Champions League group stage, a milestone that would not only boost the club’s finances but also reaffirm its status as a dominant force in Scottish football. The combination of his youthful energy, international pedigree, and the club’s supportive environment creates a promising scenario for both player and team as they look ahead to a season filled with high expectations and potential triumphs.