Celtic secure latest transfer for exciting star 'with a number of other clubs interested in him'
Winger becomes signing number three for Celtic in the summer transfer window
Celtic have announced the signing of Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan from Real Oveido in a deal reportedly worth up to £9m.
Hoops boss Martin O’Neill claims ‘a number of other clubs’ were interested in the 22-year old - who has penned a four-year contract, with the option of a further year. Hassan enjoyed a successful World Cup with the Egypt National Team in the summer and had been on Celtic’s radar ever since. He signs after completing his medical in London earlier in the week.
Celtic agreed a fee of £6m with second tier Spanish side Oveido for Hassan, with an £3m in add-ons. Bonus payments will be dependant on the Hoops’ success in their Champions League play-off decider against Austrian champions LASK Linz. Hassan becomes signing number three of the summer window for the Celts, after strikers Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh. The winger is expected to be closely followed by Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur - who is on the verge of finalising a £7m move.
Celtic secure winger ‘other clubs’ were after
Upon the Hassan announcement, manager O’Neill praised the club’s recruitment staff for bringing a player of his quality to the East End of Glasgow. He said: “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.”
On the move, Hassan himself added: “It is a great moment and a real honour for me to join Celtic, a phenomenal club with such a brilliant history and wonderful supporters. When I heard about Celtic being interested in me, I had to get here and be part of the club. I am really looking forward to getting to know all my team-mates and facing the challenges we have ahead of us. I want to play my part in bringing success to our fans.”
Celtic ‘delighted’ to sign World Cup breakout star
A club statement read: “Celtic are delighted to announce the signing of Egyptian international winger, Haissem Hassan from Real Oviedo on a four-year deal with the option of a further year, subject to international clearance. The 24-year-old, who was in impressive form for Egypt during the recent World Cup, becomes the latest addition to Martin O’Neill’s squad and will wear the number 23 jersey for the Scottish Champions.
“Born in France, he began his professional career with Châteauroux before moving to Spain in 2020 to join Villarreal. He went on to gain further experience with Mirandés and Sporting Gijón before signing for Real Oviedo in the summer of 2024. Hassan played an important role as Oviedo secured promotion to La Liga during his first season at the club and featured regularly in the Spanish top flight last term.”