Celtic Football Club have confirmed the acquisition of Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan from Spanish side Real Oviedo, sealing what is reported to be a deal worth up to £9 million. The 24‑year‑old international completed his medical examination in London and has signed a four‑year contract, with the club retaining an option to extend the agreement for an additional twelve months should they wish to do so. The financial terms of the transfer involve an upfront payment of roughly £6 million, supplemented by performance‑related add‑ons that could bring the total to about £9 million. A substantial portion of those add‑ons is linked to Celtic’s progress in the UEFA Champions League, meaning that if the Scottish champions reach the group stage later this month, the bonus structure will trigger further payments to Oviedo.
Timing is critical, as Celtic need to register Hassan before the deadline on Thursday in order to include him in the squad for the upcoming Champions League play‑off against Austrian side LASK Linz. The club also has a window to add two more players before the following Tuesday, giving them a narrow but manageable period to finalise the paperwork. In a media interview with the club, Hassan expressed his enthusiasm about 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 that at 24, he felt it was the right moment to leave Spain, where he had spent six years developing his career.
“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 reputation has been bolstered by his performances at the recent World Cup, where he impressed on the international stage. Celtic had been tracking him for some time, identifying him as a long‑term target to fill the need for a left‑footed player capable of operating on the right wing. During the 2023‑24 season with Real Oviedo, he featured in 38 matches and supplied three assists from his preferred flank, showcasing his ability to deliver quality service and stretch opposition defences.
He becomes Celtic’s third summer signing, joining newly arrived forwards Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh. The club’s recruitment strategy this window has focused on adding pace and creativity to a side that is already competing on multiple fronts – the Scottish Premiership, the domestic cups, and the Champions League qualifiers. 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 addition of Hassan adds depth to Celtic’s attacking options.
His pace, dribbling skill, and ability to cut inside onto his stronger left foot make him a versatile threat, capable of both creating chances for teammates and contributing goals himself. In modern football, the role of an inverted winger – a right‑footed player on the left or a left‑footed player on the right – is highly valued for the unpredictability it brings to a team’s offensive patterns.
Hassan fits this mold, offering Celtic the tactical flexibility to vary their formation between a traditional 4‑3‑3 and a more fluid 3‑5‑2 or 4‑2‑3‑1 setup. Beyond his on‑field attributes, Hassan’s experience with the Egyptian national team provides a level of composure and professionalism that can benefit younger players within the squad.
Having featured in major tournaments, he understands the pressures of high‑stakes matches and can mentor emerging talents on handling expectations. Celtic’s fan base, known for its passionate support, will likely welcome Hassan with optimism. The club’s recent success in domestic competitions has raised expectations for a deeper run in Europe, and the addition of a player with Champions League ambition aligns with those goals. If Hassan adapts quickly to the physicality of the Scottish Premiership and the tempo of O’Neill’s tactical system, he could become a regular starter by the time the group stage of the Champions League commences.
In summary, the signing of Haissem Hassan represents a strategic investment by Celtic, blending immediate squad reinforcement with long‑term potential. The financial structure of the deal mitigates risk through performance‑linked bonuses, while the timing ensures he can be registered for the decisive play‑off against LASK Linz. With his proven track record in Spain, his international exposure, and his personal drive to succeed at a historic club, Hassan is poised to make a significant impact on Celtic’s pursuit of silverware both at home and in Europe.