Celtic set to complete transfer soon after release clause discount confirmed.

Celtic appear to be edging closer to completing the signing of Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan, with reports suggesting a breakthrough has finally been reached in negotiations for the Egypt international.

Haissem Hassan played for Egypt at the World Cup (Image: Getty)

The Scottish champions have been strongly linked with the 24-year-old throughout the summer and now seem to have made significant progress towards bringing him to Parkhead. Interestingly, Celtic are reportedly set to secure Hassan for less than the £10.4 million release clause included in his contract.

Celtic are closing in on the signing of Haissem Hassan (Image: Getty)

That development could prove particularly significant for Celtic, who have been searching for another attacking option capable of strengthening their squad ahead of the new season.

Celtic Reach Agreement for Egypt International

Hassan attracted considerable attention during the recent World Cup in North America, where his performances for Egypt helped raise his profile on the international stage.

Celtic had already been monitoring the winger before the tournament, but his impressive display against Argentina in the round of 16 appears to have further strengthened interest in his services.

Now, according to reports from La Nueva España, the Hoops have moved significantly closer to completing the transfer. The Spanish publication claims that an agreement is expected to be finalised shortly, with only the remaining details needing to be resolved before the move can officially be completed.

That would represent a major step forward for Celtic’s recruitment plans.

Deal Could Be Completed Before LASK Clash

Celtic are reportedly hoping to complete the transfer as quickly as possible, with their Champions League play-off against LASK approaching.

The first leg is scheduled to take place at Celtic Park on Wednesday, August 19, with kick-off set for 8pm. The return fixture will then be played in Austria less than a week later.

The possibility of completing Hassan’s transfer before the first meeting with LASK will therefore be particularly appealing to Celtic.

If the paperwork and registration process can be completed in time, there is even the prospect of the Egyptian winger being available to feature in the crucial Champions League tie.

For a player who has impressed at international level and possesses the ability to operate effectively in wide attacking positions, his arrival could provide Celtic with another valuable option as they attempt to progress through European qualification.

Haissem Hassan played for Egypt at the World Cup (Image: Getty)

Celtic Pay Less Than Release Clause

One of the most interesting aspects of the proposed transfer is the reported fee.

Hassan’s contract contains a release clause understood to be worth approximately £10.4 million, but Celtic are reportedly set to pay less than that amount.

The Scottish champions are said to have submitted an offer that has been accepted by the relevant parties, despite the proposed fee falling below the figure required to automatically trigger the winger’s release clause.

That suggests Celtic have managed to negotiate favourable terms with Real Oviedo rather than simply paying the full amount stated in Hassan’s contract.

For a club operating carefully in the transfer market, securing an exciting international player below his release clause would represent a significant piece of business.

The exact final fee has yet to be confirmed, but the reported agreement indicates that the two clubs are now close to bringing the lengthy transfer saga to an end.

Hassan Rejected Saudi Arabia Opportunity

Another important factor in Celtic’s favour was Hassan’s reported decision to reject a financially attractive proposal from Saudi Arabia.

The 24-year-old is understood to have turned down the opportunity because he wanted to continue his career in European football.

That decision opened the door for Celtic to pursue the player more aggressively.

While Saudi clubs can offer significant financial packages, Hassan’s preference for remaining in Europe appears to have played an important role in allowing the Scottish champions to move forward with their proposal.

His decision also suggests that the winger is motivated by continuing to compete at a high level and developing his career within European football rather than simply choosing the most lucrative contract available.

Real Oviedo Need to Raise Funds

Real Oviedo’s financial situation has also contributed to the possibility of Hassan leaving the club for a reduced fee.

The Spanish side were relegated from La Liga last season and are now attempting to balance their finances while rebuilding their squad.

Oviedo have already brought several new players through the door during the summer transfer window, increasing the need to generate income through player sales.

The club reportedly require a significant outgoing transfer to ensure they can register their squad without being heavily restricted by Spain’s salary-cap regulations.

That situation could explain why Oviedo have been willing to consider an offer below Hassan’s release clause.

Instead of insisting on the full £10.4 million figure, accepting a substantial offer from Celtic could provide the Spanish club with much-needed financial breathing room.

Oviedo Sporting Director Addresses Transfers

Oviedo sporting director David Fernandez recently acknowledged that the club remains prepared for changes to its squad during the transfer window.

Speaking at a press conference last month, Fernandez explained that the club had already assembled a significant part of its squad but remained open to departures if the right circumstances emerged.

He stressed that decisions regarding potential sales would ultimately be made collectively by the club and that events in the transfer market could cause plans to change quickly.

His comments reflected Oviedo’s difficult balancing act as they attempt to retain their best players while also meeting financial requirements following relegation.

Hassan now appears to be one of the players who could depart, with Celtic potentially providing the solution that allows both the player and Spanish club to achieve their respective objectives.

Major Boost for Celtic

If the deal is completed as expected, Hassan would become an exciting addition to Celtic’s attacking ranks.

His performances for Egypt and Real Oviedo have demonstrated his ability to operate from wide positions, take on defenders and contribute to attacking moves.

Celtic’s interest in the player has developed over a considerable period, making the apparent breakthrough particularly significant.

The possibility of completing the transfer before the LASK play-off adds another layer of intrigue, as Hassan could potentially make an immediate impact in one of the most important fixtures of Celtic’s early season.

For now, only the final details appear to stand between Hassan and a move to Parkhead, with Celtic seemingly on the verge of completing a deal for the highly-rated Egypt international.