Celtic ‘identify’ Serie A winger as an alternative to Haissem Hassan in transfer plans.

Celtic are continuing to evaluate their options in the transfer market as they look to strengthen their attacking department ahead of the new season. While the Scottish champions remain heavily linked with a move for Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan, the club is also considering alternative targets should negotiations fail to produce an agreement.

The Parkhead side has made no secret of its desire to recruit another wide player this summer, particularly after changes within the squad created a need for additional creativity and pace in attacking areas. Hassan remains the preferred option, but Celtic’s recruitment team is ensuring that other possibilities are available if the move cannot be completed.

Reports suggest the Hoops have now turned their attention toward Serie A, where Lazio winger Matteo Cancellieri has emerged as another player attracting interest.

The winger has been linked with a move this summer | Paolo Bruno/GettyImages

The Italian attacker has reportedly caught Celtic’s attention as the club continues monitoring the market for players capable of adding depth and quality to Martin O’Neill’s squad. Although discussions involving Hassan remain ongoing, Celtic are understood to be preparing contingency plans in case the transfer proves too difficult to finalize.

Interest in Hassan intensified following his impressive performances for Egypt during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The winger enhanced his reputation throughout the tournament with energetic displays that showcased his pace, direct running, and ability to trouble defenders in one-on-one situations.

Those performances increased competition for his signature while also strengthening Real Oviedo’s negotiating position. The Spanish club is reportedly seeking a transfer fee of at least £7 million for the 24-year-old, reflecting both his recent form and his growing international profile.

Whether Celtic are prepared to match that valuation remains uncertain. Negotiations have yet to produce a breakthrough, leaving the Scottish champions searching for additional options as they continue discussions with the Spanish club.

With uncertainty surrounding the Hassan deal, Celtic are now believed to be keeping close tabs on Cancellieri.

According to reports from reliable West Ham source ExWHUEmployee, the Hoops have shown genuine interest in the Lazio winger, who has also been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer.

West Ham have monitored the Italian, but their recruitment plans appear to depend heavily on the future of captain Jarrod Bowen. Should Bowen remain at the London Stadium, the Hammers are expected to place less emphasis on signing another wide attacker unless an outstanding market opportunity presents itself.

That situation could potentially strengthen Celtic’s chances should they decide to pursue Cancellieri more aggressively.

Unlike West Ham, the Scottish champions have a clear need for another winger, making the Lazio player an attractive alternative if the Hassan negotiations collapse.

One factor increasing Cancellieri’s appeal is his current contract situation.

The Italian international is entering the final year of his agreement with Lazio, placing the Serie A club in a position where they may be willing to consider offers rather than risk losing the player for nothing at the end of his contract.

His current market valuation is estimated at approximately £6 million, although the actual transfer fee Lazio would demand remains unclear.

Given his contractual circumstances, there is a possibility that Celtic could negotiate a deal below the valuation if both clubs are willing to compromise.

Financially, that could make Cancellieri a realistic target should Hassan ultimately become unavailable.

Although his goal contributions have not been particularly prolific, Cancellieri remains a player with considerable experience despite still being only 24 years old.

Across 125 Serie A appearances, he has scored 12 goals while providing five assists.

Those statistics may not immediately stand out, but they require additional context.

Many of those appearances came during the early stages of his professional career when he was still developing as a young player and often receiving limited playing time.

His experience competing regularly in one of Europe’s strongest domestic leagues nevertheless provides valuable evidence of his ability to perform at a high level.

Cancellieri’s footballing journey has seen him develop through several respected Italian clubs.

He began his youth career within the AS Roma academy, where he established himself as one of the country’s promising attacking talents before eventually seeking first-team opportunities elsewhere.

After leaving Roma, he spent time on loan before making the move to Hellas Verona, the club where he officially began his senior professional career.

His performances there eventually earned him a transfer to Lazio in 2023, allowing him to continue his development in Serie A while gaining further experience against elite opposition.

Although he has yet to become one of Italy’s most productive attacking players, his technical qualities, versatility, and experience continue to attract interest from clubs searching for talented wide options.

At this stage, the exact level of Celtic’s interest remains uncertain.

Reports indicate the winger is among several players being monitored rather than an immediate transfer priority.

The Scottish champions continue to focus their primary attention on securing Hassan’s signature, with negotiations involving Real Oviedo remaining active.

As long as discussions for the Egyptian international continue progressing, it appears unlikely that Celtic will significantly advance talks regarding Cancellieri.

However, recruitment departments routinely prepare alternative plans to avoid being left without options if negotiations break down.

By identifying players such as Cancellieri in advance, Celtic place themselves in a stronger position to react quickly should circumstances change.

The strategy reflects careful squad planning rather than uncertainty over their first-choice target.

For now, Hassan remains the preferred signing, and Celtic will continue attempting to reach an agreement with Real Oviedo over a transfer fee acceptable to both clubs.

Should those negotiations ultimately fail, attention could quickly shift toward the Lazio winger.

With his contract entering its final year, considerable experience in Serie A already behind him, and a valuation that appears achievable, Cancellieri represents an intriguing alternative capable of strengthening Celtic’s attacking options.

Whether the Italian eventually becomes a serious transfer target will likely depend entirely on the outcome of discussions involving Hassan.

Until then, Celtic appear content to keep monitoring developments while ensuring they remain prepared for every possible scenario in what continues to be an important summer transfer window for the Scottish champions.