Celtic Football Club have confirmed the acquisition of Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan from Spanish side Real Oviedo, finalising what is reported to be a deal worth up to £9 million. The 24‑year‑old international completed his medical examination in London and immediately signed a four‑year contract, with the Glasgow giants 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: an upfront fee of roughly £6 million, supplemented by performance‑related add‑ons that could bring the total outlay to about £9 million. A substantial portion of those contingent payments is linked directly to Celtic’s progress in the UEFA Champions League – specifically, a bonus is triggered if the club advances to the group stage later this month. The timing of the signing is particularly significant because it allows Hassan to be registered for Celtic’s upcoming Champions League play‑off tie against Austrian side LASK Linz. The registration deadline falls on Thursday, with a secondary window that permits the addition of two more players before the following Tuesday.
This means that, barring any administrative hiccups, Hassan could be eligible to feature in the decisive second leg of the play‑off, an opportunity that both the player and the club are eager to seize. In a media interview arranged by the club, 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 went on to reflect on his personal journey, noting that at 24 he felt it was the right moment to leave Spain after six years of playing there. "With Celtic’s history, all the great players, the fans and the atmosphere, I think this is the perfect moment for me," he added.
"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 on the rise following an impressive showing at the recent World Cup, where he demonstrated the pace, technical ability, and tactical awareness that have made him a coveted prospect for clubs across Europe. 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 preferred position perfectly. During the 2023‑24 season with Real Oviedo, he featured in 38 matches, delivering three assists from the flank and contributing to the team’s attacking dynamics with his ability to cut inside and create scoring opportunities.
The winger becomes Celtic’s third summer addition, joining newly signed forwards Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh. The trio represents a clear intent from the Glasgow outfit to bolster their attacking options ahead of a demanding domestic campaign and a renewed push in European competition. 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." From a tactical standpoint, Hassan offers Celtic a versatile option on the right side of the pitch. His left‑footedness enables him to drift inwards onto his stronger foot, creating space for overlapping full‑backs and opening shooting lanes from the edge of the box.
Moreover, his experience in the Spanish Segunda División has honed his technical skills, ball retention under pressure, and understanding of positional play – attributes that align well with O’Neill’s vision of a fluid, attacking brand of football. Beyond the on‑field considerations, Hassan’s arrival carries commercial and cultural significance. As one of the few Egyptian players to feature in the Scottish Premiership, he expands Celtic’s global reach, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, regions where the club already enjoys a sizable fan base.
This could translate into increased merchandise sales, higher viewership numbers, and new sponsorship opportunities, further cementing Celtic’s status as an internationally recognised brand. Looking ahead, the immediate challenge for Hassan will be to integrate quickly with his new teammates and adapt to the physical intensity of Scottish football, which is often described as more robust and fast‑paced than the Spanish leagues. The club’s coaching staff have indicated that they will work closely with him on conditioning, tactical awareness, and language support to ensure a smooth transition.
If all goes to plan, Hassan could make his debut in the upcoming play‑off against LASK Linz, providing Celtic with a fresh attacking outlet as they chase a place in the Champions League group stage. Success in that tie would not only secure valuable revenue for the club but also activate part of the performance‑related fee structure, demonstrating the financial prudence of the investment.
In summary, Celtic’s signing of Haissem Hassan represents a strategic move that blends sporting ambition with commercial foresight. The Egyptian winger arrives with a blend of youth, experience, and a proven track record at the international level, ready to contribute to Celtic’s quest for domestic dominance and European progression. Fans will be watching closely as he settles in, hoping his arrival marks the beginning of a new, exciting chapter for the Hoops.