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Celtic submits a £10m bid for a forward as a twist in the transfer saga unfolds.
Celtic have reportedly taken the first formal step in their pursuit of Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan, but fresh developments suggest the Scottish champions face an increasingly difficult challenge if they hope to secure the Egyptian international’s signature this summer.
The Hoops remain determined to strengthen their attacking options ahead of another demanding campaign, yet reports indicate their opening proposal falls well below the valuation set by the Spanish club.
With Hassan’s representatives also exploring opportunities elsewhere in Europe, Celtic may need to move quickly—and significantly increase their offer—if they are to win the race for one of their top transfer targets.
Initial Bid Falls Short of Oviedo’s Valuation
According to reports, Celtic have already submitted an opening proposal for Hassan in an effort to begin negotiations with Real Oviedo.
The reported offer is believed to be worth around £3.4 million.
Although the bid demonstrates the club’s serious interest in the winger, it remains well below the amount required to trigger his contractual release clause.
As things stand, Real Oviedo appear unwilling to negotiate below that figure, leaving Celtic with an important decision regarding how aggressively they wish to pursue the transfer.
Unless the Scottish champions significantly improve their proposal, completing the deal is expected to prove extremely difficult.
Release Clause Reduced Following Relegation
One factor influencing the negotiations is the structure of Hassan’s release clause.
Reports suggest the Egyptian international previously had a release clause valued at approximately £16 million.
However, following Real Oviedo’s relegation from La Liga, that figure has reportedly fallen to around £10 million.
While the reduction represents a considerable decrease in valuation, the Spanish club are still believed to expect any interested side to activate the clause in full before allowing the player to leave.
That position leaves Celtic facing a major financial decision.
Whether they are prepared to invest such a significant amount on a single player could ultimately determine the outcome of the transfer saga.
Competition Growing Across Europe
Celtic’s task has become even more complicated due to increasing interest from elsewhere.
Reports indicate that Hassan’s representatives are actively searching for additional clubs interested in signing the winger during the current transfer window.
His agent is reportedly focusing particular attention on France.
Born in Paris, Hassan has strong connections to French football, making Ligue 1 a potentially attractive destination should suitable offers emerge.
If clubs in France decide to become seriously involved, Celtic may find themselves competing not only financially but also against leagues that could appeal strongly to the player himself.
The longer negotiations continue, the greater the likelihood that additional suitors could enter the race.
Celtic Must Decide Their Next Move
With their opening bid falling well short of Real Oviedo’s demands, Celtic now face an important strategic decision.
The club can either return with a significantly improved proposal or accept the possibility of losing one of their primary transfer targets.
Supporters will be eager to see whether the club’s hierarchy view Hassan as a player worth meeting the asking price for.
The winger has been consistently linked with Celtic throughout the summer, suggesting he remains among the club’s preferred attacking reinforcements.
However, paying close to £10 million would represent a major investment and one that requires careful consideration.
The coming days may prove decisive in determining whether negotiations continue or eventually come to an end.
Hassan’s Performances Have Raised His Reputation
One reason behind the growing transfer interest is Hassan’s continued development over the past year.
The winger has established himself as one of the more exciting attacking talents available this summer, attracting attention through his pace, direct running and technical ability.
His performances have significantly enhanced his reputation and convinced several clubs that he possesses the quality to succeed at a higher level.
Those displays explain why Real Oviedo remain confident in demanding the full value of his release clause despite the club’s relegation.
They believe the player’s potential fully justifies the asking price.
Celtic Also Pursuing Emam Ashour
While negotiations over Hassan continue, Celtic are reportedly working on another deal involving an Egyptian international.
Separate reports suggest the Scottish champions are actively pursuing midfielder Emam Ashour from Al Ahly.
The Glasgow club are believed to have identified the midfielder as another priority addition as Martin O’Neill continues strengthening his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Ashour has developed into one of Egypt’s leading midfielders and is widely expected to attract interest from several European clubs during the current transfer window.
Celtic appear eager to position themselves at the front of that race.
£4 Million Could Secure Ashour
Reports indicate that Al Ahly would consider selling Ashour if an offer of approximately £4 million is received.
That valuation makes the midfielder a considerably less expensive option than Hassan, although competition for his signature remains strong.
The financial commitment required could prove attractive for Celtic as they attempt to strengthen multiple areas of the squad without exceeding their transfer budget.
Nevertheless, completing the transfer will still require decisive action given the level of interest emerging from elsewhere.
The club may hope that moving quickly improves their chances of reaching an agreement before rival clubs intensify their pursuit.
West Ham Also Monitoring the Midfielder
Celtic are not the only club believed to admire Ashour.
Reports suggest Championship side West Ham United are also interested in signing the Egyptian international this summer.
The Hammers continue rebuilding their squad following relegation and are exploring several midfield options capable of improving the team’s creativity and energy.
That additional competition could complicate Celtic’s pursuit, particularly if West Ham decide to make a formal approach.
Once again, the Scottish champions may need to move swiftly if they hope to secure one of their primary transfer targets before rival clubs intervene.
Potential Successor to Reo Hatate
Ashour’s arrival could become even more significant if Reo Hatate eventually departs Celtic Park.
The Japanese midfielder has once again been linked with a move away from Scotland and is reportedly eager to test himself in one of Europe’s leading leagues.
Should Hatate leave during the current transfer window, Celtic would need to recruit a midfielder capable of replacing his energy, creativity and influence.
Many observers believe Ashour possesses the qualities required to fill that role.
His all-action style has even drawn comparisons with Scotland international Scott McTominay because of his powerful running, work rate and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Celtic Preparing for a Crucial Season
Regardless of which transfers are ultimately completed, Celtic know this summer will play a major role in shaping the upcoming campaign.
The club will aim not only to defend their Scottish Premiership title but also to produce stronger performances in European competition.
Martin O’Neill’s side are eager to make greater progress in the Champions League while maintaining domestic dominance.
Achieving those objectives will require continued investment in the playing squad.
Whether through the signing of Haissem Hassan, Emam Ashour or other targets, Celtic’s recruitment over the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining how successful the season becomes both in Scotland and on the European stage.
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