Celtic are closing in on a deal for Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan, with the Egypt international cleared to undergo a medical and complete contract formalities this week. Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph first reported that Celtic and Oviedo had reached an agreement in principle, placing the 24-year-old close to a move to Glasgow.
Haissem Hassan to Celtic: What the report says
The package includes an initial fee below £6 million, while another £3 million could arrive through add-ons. Much of those bonuses depends on Celtic reaching the Champions League group stage through their qualifiers later this month. Villarreal will receive 40% of the total fee because of an existing sell-on arrangement.
Hassan’s stock rose sharply at the 2026 World Cup. Egypt reached the last 16, and he supplied the assist for Mostafa Ziko’s goal against Argentina before the Pharaohs lost 3-2. At Oviedo, his league numbers looked far less striking: 37 appearances, 0 goals and 3 assists in La Liga during 2025/26. Opta Analyst confirms that record.
Haissem Hassan to Celtic: What his numbers really suggest
Those domestic figures shouldn’t disguise what Hassan can bring. He offers directness and repeated 1v1 attacks, qualities Celtic lacked enough of on the right last season. The World Cup raised his profile, but Oviedo’s numbers provide a warning: he isn’t a proven goalscorer.
His 6.4 dribbles per 90 figure points to a player who can force defenders backwards and create openings without elaborate build-up. That matters against Scottish sides sitting deep, where one aggressive carry can crack a compact block.
Haissem Hassan to Celtic: How Martin O’Neill can use him
O’Neill can use Hassan as a left-footed right winger who attacks the full-back, cuts inside and feeds runners such as Kasper Høgh. Camilo Durán gives Celtic another forward option, so Hassan’s crossing and chance creation could become especially valuable around the box.
A two-striker setup could give him another route. He could drift inside as an auxiliary forward, attack the far channel or deliver low balls across the six-yard area. His pace should help Celtic counter quickly, while his pressing intensity gives O’Neill an option without the ball.
Read: Celtic keen on transfer move for £5m Newcastle United star
Yang Hyun-jun faces a serious challenge for that right-wing role. Still, Hassan’s finishing needs work, and his 0-goal La Liga season proves Celtic cannot treat him as a ready-made match-winner. The fee looks sensible if the club gets his dribbling and progression into Celtic’s European games quickly, particularly with LASK next.
