Celtic look to sign £10m attacking star on the 'cheap' as Hoops set for transfer negotiations
Hoops transfer target has been linked with a move after a strong World Cup
Celtic are hoping to sign Real Oveido winger Haissem Hassan on the ‘cheap’ despite him attracting a whole new audience after a strong World Cup.
The 24-year old was one of the tournament’s breakout stars as his Egypt side reached the last 16. The Pharaohs narrowly lost 3-2 to Argentina despite going two goals up. Hassan provided an assist after a mazy run from his own half during the game however the goal was controversially disallowed. Despite his heroics in the Americas, Celtic remain confident they can acquire him for cheaper than his £10m release clause. Before Oviedo, Hassan enjoyed spells at fourth tier French side Chateauroux and La Liga giants Villareal.
Celtic aren’t the only ones reportedly in for the direct winger with Liverpool, Marseille and Trabzonspor all interested. Manager Martin O’Neill got the ball rolling last week with the £6m signing of Colombia striker Camilo Duran from Qarabag and is now looking for more reinforcement ahead of the start of the season.
Celtic pursue World Cup star for ‘cheaper’ than release clause
Sources in Egypt suggest Celtic have already had a bid rejected by Oveido of around £3.8m but they’re considering another offer which will also be less than his release clause. According to Football Insider’s transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke: “Martin O’Neill is obviously now starting to see the wheels get in motion for some transfer activity at Celtic.
“He'll be keen to bring in players as quickly as possible for these Champions League qualifiers that are coming up. Hassan is a player who would excite a lot of Celtic fans because of how he performed for Egypt at the World Cup, and due to his contract situation and Oviedo getting relegated, they'll be hoping they can land him for cheaper than that release clause."
How can Celtic acquire Hassan on the cheap?
Despite his strong World Cup, Hassan endured a disastrous league campaign with Oviedo last season, as they were relegated from La Liga to the Segunda Division. The Egyptian wasn’t able to get on the scoresheet in 38 appearances across all competitions. His previous release clause was around £16m before the Spanish side faced the drop.
Club Sporting Director David Fernandez claims Oviedo will hold firm in negotiations despite their backs being against the wall. He said: "One of the main reasons I came was to interact with the ownership. I've been involved in every decision that's been made. Haissem Hassan is owned by Oviedo. We will have a firm policy for bringing in players and managing departures."
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