Celtic have confirmed the signing of Haissem Hassan from Real Oviedo, with the right winger agreeing a four-year contract that includes the option of a further year. The deal is worth an initial £6 million, rising to around £9 million (roughly €10 million) with add-ons, and Hassan completed his medical before the move was finalised. The transfer went through in time for him to be registered for Celtic's Champions League play-off against LASK Linz.
The 24-year-old is a left-footed right winger who has spent the past several seasons in Spain, having moved there from French side Châteauroux and progressed through Villarreal's academy before establishing himself at Real Oviedo. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill said the club had "done really well to secure a player of such quality, with a number of other clubs interested in him," adding that Hassan has "the ability and experience to do very well for us, performing at a high level in domestic and international football." Hassan himself called the move "a great moment and a real honour," saying he wanted to "be part of the club" as soon as he heard of Celtic's interest.
For Celtic, the appeal is straightforward: they wanted proven competition and cover out wide as they prepare for another Champions League campaign, and Hassan arrives having just impressed for Egypt at the World Cup. He was Celtic's third summer signing, following strikers Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, as the club has strengthened its attacking options ahead of a season in which they will play continental football.
Real Oviedo, by contrast, lose a player who had become a regular fixture on their right flank. Manager Julian Calero was candid about why the club let him go, pointing to financial reality as much as footballing regret. "We all know him, and of course he could have been a good fit," Calero said, "but we also have to consider the club's finances, the player's wishes, and offers from other clubs. We have a salary cap and we were aware that departures were necessary, and he was one of the possibilities." Marseille and clubs in Saudi Arabia had also shown interest before Celtic won the race.
In terms of form, Hassan made 38 appearances for Real Oviedo last season, chipping in three assists without scoring, and his stock rose sharply after a strong World Cup with Egypt over the summer. He is not primarily a goalscorer but a creator and outlet who stretches defences from the right side, which lines up with the way Celtic have typically wanted their wide players to play under recent regimes.
At Celtic Park, Hassan should slot straight into the right-wing role, offering pace and directness to complement the club's build-up play, and giving O'Neill a genuine alternative in a position where squad depth matters most once European nights are added to the domestic fixture list. How quickly he adapts to Scottish football will be the key question, but a player fresh off a big tournament and with six years of first-team experience in Spain arrives with confidence and a clear job to do.