Celtic Football Club have confirmed the acquisition of Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan from Spanish side Real Oviedo in what is being described as a potential £9 million transfer. The 24‑year‑old international completed his medical examination in London and subsequently signed a four‑year contract, with the Glasgow outfit retaining the option to extend the deal by an additional twelve months should they wish. The agreement between the two clubs reportedly includes an upfront fee of roughly £6 million, supplemented by £3 million in performance‑related add‑ons.
A substantial portion of those bonuses is tied to Celtic’s progression to the group stage of the UEFA Champions League later this month, meaning the player’s remuneration could rise significantly if the team secures a place in Europe’s premier club competition. Timing is crucial, as the club needs to register Hassan before the deadline on Thursday in order for him to be eligible for the Champions League play‑off tie against Austrian side LASK Linz scheduled for next week. The registration window remains open for two more additions until the following Tuesday, giving Celtic a narrow window to finalise paperwork.
Speaking to the club’s media channels, Hassan 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 added, “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 Celtic, who have already added strikers Camilo Duran and Kasper Høgh to their attacking ranks.
The Egyptian winger had caught the eye of the Scottish side during the recent World Cup, where his performances impressed scouts and pundits alike. Celtic had identified him as a long‑term target, particularly because they were seeking a left‑footed player capable of operating on the right flank, a profile that fits Hassan’s natural position. During the 2023‑24 season with Real Oviedo, Hassan featured in 38 matches, contributing three assists from his preferred right‑wing role.
While his goal tally was modest, his work rate, dribbling ability and knack for creating space were highlighted as key attributes that could translate well to the physical and fast‑paced nature of the Scottish Premiership. Manager Martin O’Neill praised 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.” The strategic importance of Hassan’s signing cannot be overstated. Celtic’s ambition to return to the Champions League group stage after a period of absence hinges on adding depth and versatility to the attacking line‑up.
Hassan’s pace, ability to cut inside onto his stronger left foot, and experience against technically proficient opponents in Spain’s Segunda División should provide manager O’Neill with additional tactical options, whether the team lines up in a traditional 4‑4‑2, a more modern 4‑3‑3, or a fluid 3‑5‑2 system. Beyond the tactical considerations, Hassan’s arrival also carries commercial and branding benefits. As a high‑profile Egyptian international, he opens doors to new markets in the Middle East and North Africa, regions where Celtic’s fan base is already growing. Merchandise sales, streaming viewership, and sponsorship opportunities could see a boost as supporters from his home country and diaspora follow his progress in Glasgow.
Looking ahead, Celtic will aim to integrate Hassan quickly, giving him minutes in both domestic league fixtures and the crucial Champions League play‑off. The club’s coaching staff will likely focus on acclimatising him to the physical demands of Scottish football, which often involve a more direct style of play and harsher weather conditions than he experienced in Spain.
Early training sessions will emphasise his defensive responsibilities on the wing, as well as his ability to link up with the newly signed strikers, creating a cohesive attacking unit. If Hassan can adapt swiftly, his contributions could be pivotal in Celtic’s quest to secure a spot in the Champions League group stage, a goal that would not only bring significant financial rewards but also enhance the club’s prestige on the European stage. The combination of his youthful energy, technical skill set, and ambition to succeed at a historically great club suggests that his tenure at Celtic could be both impactful and enduring.
Fans can follow the upcoming matches, including the crucial play‑off against LASK Linz, via the NOW streaming service or watch live coverage on Sky Sports, where the Scottish Premiership is broadcast throughout the season. The club encourages supporters to stay tuned as the new signings settle in and the team prepares for what promises to be an exciting campaign both domestically and in Europe.