Celtic Football Club have confirmed the acquisition of Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan from Spanish side Real Oviedo, sealing what is believed 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 by an additional twelve months should they wish to do so. The transfer fee structure has been disclosed as an initial payment of roughly £6 million, supplemented by a further £3 million in performance‑related add‑ons.
A significant proportion of those contingent payments are tied to Celtic’s progress in the upcoming Champions League campaign – specifically, the bonuses will be triggered if the Glasgow side advance to the group stage of Europe’s premier club competition later this month. Because the registration deadline for the Champions League play‑off round is fast approaching, Celtic have moved quickly to ensure Hassan can be entered into the squad for the tie against Austrian side LASK Linz, scheduled for next week. The official deadline for submitting player lists falls on Thursday, with an additional window that allows clubs to add two more players before the following Tuesday.
Celtic hope to meet that deadline and have Hassan eligible to feature in the decisive play‑off matches. In a press interview with the club’s media team, Hassan expressed his enthusiasm about the move.
"I’m really grateful to be here and really happy," he said. "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 why the timing felt right for him personally: "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 reputation has been bolstered by his performances for Egypt at the recent World Cup, where he impressed scouts with his pace, technical ability and work rate on the flank.
Celtic have been tracking him for some time, identifying him as a long‑term target to fill the need for a left‑footed right‑winger who can stretch defenses and contribute both goals and assists. Over the course of the 2023‑24 season with Real Oviedo, he made 38 appearances, primarily operating on the right side of the attack, and recorded three assists while also providing a steady supply of chances for his teammates. The signing marks Celtic’s third addition to their summer recruitment drive, following the arrivals of forwards Camilo Duran and Kasper Høgh.
Both of those players are expected to bolster the club’s attacking options, and Hassan’s arrival adds further depth and variety to a squad that is aiming to compete on multiple fronts – domestically in the Scottish Premiership, in the Scottish Cup, and in Europe. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill welcomed the new signing, highlighting the competitive interest the player had attracted.
"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," O’Neill said. He praised Hassan’s potential impact: "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 this signing cannot be overstated.
Celtic’s ambition to return to the Champions League group stage after a period of absence hinges on both tactical flexibility and squad depth. A player like Hassan, who combines speed, dribbling skill, and an eye for creating chances, offers Martin O’Neill a valuable tool to vary his offensive setups.
Whether deployed as an inverted winger cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, or as a traditional wide player delivering crosses for the strikers, Hassan’s versatility aligns with the modern demands of top‑level football. Beyond the tactical considerations, Hassan’s arrival also carries commercial and fan‑engagement benefits.
As an Egyptian international, he brings a new demographic of supporters and potential market expansion for Celtic, especially in the Middle East and North Africa where football fandom is passionate and growing. The club’s marketing department will likely leverage his profile to increase merchandise sales, digital content, and global viewership, particularly as the Champions League draw approaches.
Looking ahead, the immediate priority for Hassan will be to adapt to the physicality and tempo of the Scottish Premiership, which is known for its high intensity and robust challenges. Training sessions under O’Neill’s guidance will focus on sharpening his decision‑making in the final third, improving his defensive contributions when the team is out of possession, and integrating him into the team’s pressing scheme.
If he can make a swift transition, he could be a decisive factor in Celtic’s quest to secure a place 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. In summary, Celtic’s signing of Haissem Hassan represents a calculated investment aimed at strengthening the squad’s attacking options, fulfilling a long‑standing scouting objective, and positioning the club for success in the upcoming Champions League play‑offs. With a contract that secures his services for at least four years, and the possibility of an additional year, the Hoops are betting on his development and impact to help them reclaim their status among Europe’s elite clubs.