CELTIC GET GREEN LIGHT FOR ATTACKER’S MEDICAL AS £8.5M REAL OVIEDO STAR EDGES CLOSER TO PARKHEAD!

Celtic are closing in on another major attacking addition, with Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan reportedly set to undergo a medical as the Hoops move towards completing a deal for the highly rated Egypt international.

 

 

 

The transfer has developed rapidly in recent days. What had been a long-running pursuit has now moved into its final stages, with reports indicating that Celtic and Real Oviedo have reached an agreement in principle and that Hassan is travelling to Scotland to complete the formalities of the move. Sky Sports has also reported that Celtic are closing in on the signing.

 

 

 

The overall package is being reported at around £8.5million, although the structure of the deal is understood to involve an initial payment of just under £6million, with a further £3million potentially payable through performance-related add-ons.

 

 

For Celtic, the potential arrival represents another significant statement of intent during an increasingly busy summer transfer window.

 

 

The club have already been working to strengthen their attacking options, and Hassan’s arrival would give manager Martin O’Neill another player capable of adding pace, directness and creativity to the forward line.

 

 

 

More importantly, the move appears to have reached the stage where the remaining work is largely about completing the necessary checks rather than negotiating the fundamental transfer agreement.

 

 

 

Celtic’s long pursuit of Hassan

 

Haissem Hassan is not a completely new name in Celtic’s transfer plans.

 

The winger has reportedly been on the club’s radar throughout the summer, with Celtic showing interest before negotiations stalled and the club briefly turned its attention towards other options.

 

That made the latest breakthrough particularly significant.

 

 

 

Instead of abandoning the pursuit altogether, Celtic returned to negotiations and have now seemingly managed to find a route towards an agreement with Real Oviedo.

 

Reports suggest that other clubs had shown interest in Hassan, making Celtic’s decision to continue pursuing him an important part of the story. The player is understood to have chosen the move to Scotland despite interest from clubs elsewhere.

 

For Celtic supporters, that is an encouraging development.

 

Transfer negotiations can often collapse when several clubs enter the race, particularly when a player’s performances have attracted attention from bigger leagues. Celtic have nevertheless remained involved and now appear to be on the verge of getting their man.

 

Who is Haissem Hassan?

 

Hassan is a 24-year-old winger who was born in France and has represented both France and Egypt at international level.

 

His background is an interesting part of his football story.

 

 

 

Born near Paris, Hassan initially represented France at youth level before choosing to switch allegiance to Egypt. That decision eventually gave him the opportunity to represent the Pharaohs at senior level.

 

His reputation grew considerably through his performances for Real Oviedo.

 

Hassan joined Oviedo from Villarreal in 2024 and developed into an important attacking player for the Spanish club. He subsequently played a role in their campaign at the highest level of Spanish football before continuing with the club after their relegation.

 

His ability to operate as a wide attacker has made him an attractive option for Celtic.

 

He is predominantly a right winger but is capable of using his pace and close control to attack defenders, carry the ball forward and create opportunities for teammates.

 

That profile could make him an exciting addition to Celtic’s attack.

 

The World Cup helped raise his profile

 

One of the biggest reasons Hassan has become a player of interest beyond Spain is his performance on the international stage.

 

His involvement with Egypt at the 2026 World Cup provided him with an opportunity to perform in front of a much wider audience.

 

Hassan particularly impressed during Egypt’s last-16 defeat to Argentina, where his energy and ability to carry the ball forward attracted praise.

 

That tournament experience could prove valuable if he makes the move to Celtic.

 

European football is obviously different from international football, but performing under pressure against elite opposition can provide evidence of a player’s temperament and ability to handle major occasions.

 

Celtic will hope that Hassan can bring that confidence to Parkhead.

 

What can Celtic expect from Hassan?

 

The most obvious quality Hassan would add is directness.

 

He is a winger who likes to attack.

 

Rather than simply receiving the ball and recycling possession, Hassan has the ability to drive towards defenders and attempt to create something.

 

That is particularly useful for a Celtic side that frequently faces opponents sitting deep.

 

 

Scottish Premiership teams often defend in compact formations against Celtic, reducing the available space in central areas. In those situations, players who can beat an opponent one-on-one can become extremely valuable.

 

Hassan could give Celtic another way of breaking down those defensive structures.

 

His pace can stretch opponents, while his close control allows him to operate in tight spaces.

 

 

That combination could also complement Celtic’s existing attacking players.

 

A different type of attacking option

 

One of the strengths of the proposed signing is that Hassan does not necessarily need to play in exactly the same role every week.

 

Although his primary position is on the right side, modern attacking systems give wide players considerable freedom to interchange positions.

 

Hassan could potentially stay wide and provide width, move inside to combine with midfielders or attack from a more central position depending on the opposition.

 

That tactical flexibility should appeal to Celtic.

 

A long season requires managers to have alternatives.

 

Players suffer injuries, form changes and suspensions, while European matches can require different tactical approaches from domestic fixtures.

 

Having another player capable of changing the character of the attack gives O’Neill more options.

 

Why the medical is so important

 

The headline development is the reported green light for Hassan to undergo his Celtic medical.

 

A medical does not mean the transfer has officially been completed, but it is one of the clearest signs that negotiations have progressed to an advanced stage.

 

Clubs generally do not bring players in for medical examinations unless they expect the transfer to proceed.

 

The process is designed to assess the player’s physical condition and identify any issues that could affect his ability to play.

 

For Celtic supporters, therefore, Hassan reaching the medical stage is far more significant than another round of transfer rumours.

 

It indicates that the clubs have moved beyond initial interest and into the final stages.

 

Reports indicate that Hassan is expected to travel to Scotland before completing the medical and finalising personal terms.

 

 

If everything proceeds without complications, the official announcement could follow shortly afterwards.

 

The reported £8.5million package

 

The financial side of the transfer has attracted plenty of attention.

 

 

The overall figure being reported is around £8.5million, although that number requires some context.

 

According to TEAMtalk, the agreement is understood to include an initial fee of just under £6million, with another £3million available through performance-related add-ons.

 

That means Celtic would not necessarily be paying the full headline figure immediately.

 

 

Instead, the eventual cost would depend partly on Hassan meeting certain targets.

 

That structure can make sense for both clubs.

 

Real Oviedo can potentially earn a substantial amount if Hassan succeeds at Celtic, while Celtic can reduce some of the immediate financial risk associated with the transfer.

 

It also means that the final value of the deal could ultimately reflect Hassan’s contribution on the pitch.

 

 

If he becomes a key player, scores important goals and helps Celtic succeed domestically and in Europe, the add-ons could become worthwhile.

 

Why Celtic need another attacker

 

The move must also be considered within the wider rebuilding of Celtic’s squad.

 

The club have been working to improve their attacking options, and Hassan would reportedly become another important part of that process.

 

Celtic have already invested significantly in attack this summer, with Kasper Høgh and Camilo Duran among the arrivals. Reports have described the club’s attacking investment as approaching £30million.

 

 

 

That represents a clear indication that the club are attempting to improve their attacking depth and quality.

 

Hassan would add another layer to that group.

 

His arrival would mean greater competition for places, which should theoretically make it harder for any attacker to become complacent.

 

Competition is particularly important at a club like Celtic because the demands are constant.

 

The team is expected to dominate domestically, compete for trophies and make an impact in Europe.

 

That requires a squad capable of maintaining a high level across the entire campaign.

 

The European factor

 

European football could be one of the biggest reasons Celtic are making moves like this.

 

The club are once again aiming to compete at the highest level available to them, and Champions League football places greater demands on the squad.

 

Celtic cannot realistically expect to use the same starting eleven throughout the campaign.

 

They need quality alternatives.

 

A player like Hassan could be particularly useful in European matches because of his experience against high-level opposition and his ability to carry the ball over distance.

 

His direct style could also be useful when Celtic are facing teams that press aggressively.

 

If Celtic can escape the first line of pressure and give Hassan space to attack, his pace could become an important weapon.

 

The importance of competition

 

Another major benefit of the signing would be competition.

 

Rather than relying on one player to provide creativity from a particular area, Celtic would have another option capable of changing games.

 

That could also improve the performances of existing attackers.

 

Players tend to perform at a higher level when they know another quality player is competing for their position.

 

For O’Neill, this creates a healthy selection problem.

 

He would have more attacking combinations to choose from and could tailor his line-up depending on the opponent.

 

Against a team sitting deep, Hassan’s dribbling could be particularly valuable.

 

Against an opponent that leaves space behind, his pace could become even more important.

 

Hassan’s decision is also significant

 

The fact that Hassan is reportedly choosing Celtic despite interest from clubs elsewhere makes the potential transfer even more interesting.

 

Celtic’s status as a major club in Scotland gives the player an opportunity to compete for trophies immediately.

 

The club also provides a pathway into European football.

 

For a 24-year-old international, those factors can be extremely attractive.

 

There is also the possibility that strong performances in Scotland could increase his profile even further.

 

Celtic have historically provided a platform for players to establish themselves before moving to bigger European leagues.

 

If Hassan adapts quickly, performs consistently and shines in European competition, his value could rise considerably.

 

That could benefit both the player and Celtic.

 

The challenge ahead

 

However, Celtic supporters should not expect Hassan to solve every attacking problem immediately.

 

Moving from Spanish football to Scottish football requires adjustment.

 

The physical nature of the Scottish game can be demanding, while opponents will often approach Celtic matches with a defensive strategy designed specifically to limit space.

 

Hassan may therefore need time to adapt.

 

There will also be pressure because of the reported transfer fee.

 

Once a club spends several million pounds on a player, supporters naturally expect immediate results.

 

The best approach would be to give Hassan time to settle into the team, understand his teammates and adjust to the demands of the league.

 

His previous experience suggests he has the technical qualities required, but success at Celtic will ultimately depend on how well those qualities translate into the Scottish environment.

 

What the deal says about Celtic’s ambitions

 

Perhaps the biggest message from this transfer is the level of ambition being shown by Celtic.

 

The club are not simply adding players to make up the numbers.

 

They appear to be actively trying to improve the quality and depth of the squad.

 

The potential Hassan signing is especially interesting because he is arriving after gaining international experience and playing at a high level in Spain.

 

That represents a different type of recruitment from simply signing an established Scottish Premiership player.

 

It suggests Celtic are looking beyond the domestic market for players who can potentially make a significant difference.

 

Final steps before the announcement

 

The immediate focus will now be on completing Hassan’s medical and finalising the remaining contractual details.

 

Reports from multiple outlets indicate that the move is at an advanced stage, with the player expected in Scotland and Celtic preparing for the final checks.

 

Spanish reports have also indicated that Hassan has already passed a medical in London, although Celtic’s formal announcement remains the important confirmation.

 

Until the club officially announces the signing, there is always the possibility of a late complication.

 

But at this stage, the indications are extremely positive for Celtic.

 

Conclusion

 

Celtic’s pursuit of Haissem Hassan appears to have entered its decisive phase.

 

The Real Oviedo winger has reportedly agreed personal terms in principle, the two clubs have reached an agreement on the transfer structure, and the player is expected to complete the final medical checks before the move can be officially confirmed.

 

The reported £8.5million package, potentially consisting of an initial fee of just under £6million plus performance-related additions, would make Hassan another significant investment in Celtic’s attacking rebuild.

 

At 24, he also fits the profile of a player who could contribute immediately while still having considerable room to develop.

 

His pace, close control, direct running and international experience could give Celtic another dimension in attack, particularly against opponents who defend deep.

 

For Martin O’Neill, the biggest benefit may be the additional competition and flexibility Hassan would provide.

 

For the supporters, meanwhile, the prospect of watching an Egypt international who impressed on the world stage arrive at Parkhead is naturally exciting.

 

The deal is not officially complete until Celtic announce it, but the latest developments suggest that the finish line is now very close.

 

After weeks of speculation, negotiations and competing transfer possibilities, Hassan appears to be edging towards Celtic.

 

If the final checks go smoothly, the Egyptian winger could soon be pulling on the famous green-and-white shirt and beginning what Celtic supporters will hope becomes an important chapter in his career.

 

And with the reported transfer package potentially reaching £8.5million, this is more than just another squad addition. It is another indication that Celtic are serious about strengthening their attack and building a team capable of competing on multiple fronts.

 

The medical could therefore prove to be the final major hurdle before a transfer that once seemed uncertain becomes reality.

 

For Celtic, the message is clear: the summer rebuild is gathering momentum, and Haissem Hassan could be the latest major piece of the attacking puzzle.