Celtic prioritize a £10m World Cup star for summer transfer window.

Celtic are reportedly intensifying their pursuit of Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan, with fresh reports suggesting the Scottish champions have identified the talented attacker as one of their leading transfer priorities during the current summer window. Interest in the Egyptian international has been building for several weeks, and the latest developments indicate that the Parkhead club are now preparing to increase their efforts to secure his signature before the new campaign begins.

The winger has consistently been linked with a move to Glasgow throughout the transfer window, with Celtic believed to view him as a player capable of strengthening their attacking options. The club are thought to be impressed by his pace, creativity and versatility, qualities that have made him one of the standout performers to emerge from Real Oviedo during the past season.

Celtic are reportedly ready to step up their interest in Haissem Hassan (Image: Shutterstock)

According to reports, Celtic’s interest has now progressed beyond simple monitoring, with the Scottish Premiership side making Hassan a major target for the remainder of the transfer window. The Parkhead hierarchy are understood to believe he possesses the attributes required to make an immediate impact in Scottish football while also offering long-term value due to his age and potential for further development.

Hassan’s reputation has grown significantly following his involvement on the international stage, having represented Egypt during the FIFA World Cup and featuring in the tournament’s knockout rounds. Playing in the last 16 enhanced his profile across Europe and further demonstrated his ability to compete against elite opposition on football’s biggest stage.

Celtic are not alone in their admiration for the winger, however. French giants Marseille have also been credited with a strong interest in bringing Hassan back to Ligue 1, creating competition for his signature. Their involvement could potentially complicate negotiations, particularly if multiple clubs decide to pursue the player before the transfer deadline.

Real Oviedo are believed to have protected their position by including a release clause worth approximately £10 million in Hassan’s contract. That figure provides a clear valuation for interested clubs, although reports suggest Celtic are optimistic they may be able to negotiate a deal below the full release clause rather than triggering it outright.

The possibility of agreeing a reduced transfer fee is thought to stem from Hassan’s current contractual situation. With only one year remaining on his existing agreement at Oviedo, the Spanish club could face the prospect of losing him for nothing next summer if no extension is agreed. As a result, they may decide that accepting a lower offer now represents the best financial outcome.

Speaking openly about his future, Hassan admitted that discussions with the club regarding his long-term plans have yet to take place. While he stopped short of confirming a desire to leave, the winger acknowledged that uncertainty surrounds his future and accepted that anything could happen during the transfer window.

He explained that he still has one season remaining on his contract but recognised that football operates as a business, particularly for clubs of Oviedo’s size. Hassan suggested that, at this stage of his career, a transfer could also generate valuable income for the Spanish side, indicating he understands the financial realities that often influence transfer decisions.

Despite acknowledging the possibility of a move elsewhere, Hassan insisted he remains unsure about what the coming weeks will bring. Rather than making any firm declarations regarding his future, he stressed that no decision has yet been reached and that he is currently keeping an open mind while awaiting further developments.

Reflecting on the previous campaign, Hassan described it as an educational experience during his first season with Real Oviedo in La Liga. He admitted both he and the club encountered numerous challenges while adjusting to the demands of competing at Spain’s highest level, acknowledging that mistakes were made throughout the campaign.

The winger explained that life in La Liga proved considerably more demanding than many within the squad had anticipated. Although Oviedo entered the season hoping to establish themselves comfortably in the division, Hassan admitted the reality was significantly tougher, with the team struggling to adapt consistently to the quality of opposition they faced each week.

From a personal perspective, Hassan said his campaign included both encouraging moments and frustrating periods. Like many players adapting to a higher standard of competition, he experienced fluctuations in form and confidence while attempting to establish himself in one of Europe’s strongest domestic leagues.

After such a demanding season, the winger felt it was important to step away from football temporarily in order to recover. He explained that both his body and mind required time to rest following the physical and emotional demands of the campaign, allowing him to recharge before returning for pre-season preparations.

Although speculation surrounding his future continues to intensify, Hassan was keen to emphasise the affection he holds for Real Oviedo. He praised the club for the support he has received throughout his time in Spain, expressing gratitude for the opportunities provided and the way he has been treated since arriving.

The Egyptian international described his spell with Oviedo as the happiest period of his professional career, highlighting the strong relationship he has built with the club, its supporters and everyone connected with the organisation. Those experiences, he said, ensure the club will always occupy a special place in his heart regardless of where his career eventually takes him.

Even with that emotional attachment, Hassan acknowledged that football careers are unpredictable and circumstances can change quickly. While he appreciates everything Oviedo have given him, he also recognises that transfer opportunities sometimes arise unexpectedly, making it impossible to predict exactly how the remainder of the summer will unfold.

Rather than offering guarantees about staying or leaving, Hassan maintained a cautious approach when discussing his future. He admitted he genuinely does not know whether he will still be an Oviedo player once the transfer window closes, leaving the door open to a possible move if the right opportunity presents itself.

As Celtic continue assessing options to strengthen their squad before the new season, Hassan appears to have emerged as one of the club’s primary attacking targets. Whether negotiations ultimately result in an agreement remains to be seen, but with competition from Marseille, a £10 million release clause and uncertainty surrounding the player’s future, the coming weeks promise to be crucial in determining where the talented winger will be playing when the new campaign begins.