Haissem Hassan seals Celtic switch with Champions League football ahead

Celtic have completed the signing of Egypt winger Haissem Hassan from Real Oviedo on a four-year contract, with an option to extend the deal by a further season.

The move was confirmed on Wednesday after the required international clearances were secured. Hassan, 24, becomes the latest addition to Martin O’Neill’s squad and will wear the number 23 shirt for the Scottish champions, who will compete in the Champions League this season.

Hassan attracted widespread attention during the 2026 World Cup, particularly after his performance for Egypt in their last-16 match against Argentina. His displays at international level helped spark interest from several clubs before Celtic won the race for his signature.

The winger left Spain for the United Kingdom just hours before the announcement as he completed the final stages of his transfer. Talks between Celtic and Real Oviedo had been progressing towards a conclusion.

Reports suggest Celtic will initially pay about £6m for Hassan, with performance-related incentives potentially taking the overall value of the deal to £8.5m.

Villarreal will also benefit financially from the transfer. The Spanish club retained a 40% sell-on clause when Hassan moved to Real Oviedo, meaning it is expected to receive about 2.4m euros from his switch to Celtic.

Hassan’s absence from Real Oviedo’s squad for their most recent friendly against French club Le Havre had prompted speculation about his future. His omission was not related to injury, however, and came as his departure from the club drew closer.

Born in France, Hassan began his professional career with Chateauroux before moving to Spain in 2020 to join Villarreal. He subsequently spent time with Mirandes and Sporting de Gijon, then signed for Real Oviedo in the summer of 2024.

He played an important role in helping Real Oviedo secure promotion to La Liga during his first season with the club and continued to make regular appearances in Spain’s top flight last season.

Hassan said joining Celtic was a “great moment” and a significant honour.

“It’s a great moment and a real honour for me to join Celtic, this wonderful club with an exceptional history and amazing supporters,” he said.

“When I learned that Celtic were interested in signing me, I felt that I had to come here and be part of this club.”

He added: “I’m really looking forward to meeting all my new team-mates and facing the challenges ahead. I want to play my part in achieving success and making our supporters happy.”

O’Neill welcomed the Egyptian winger and said Celtic had secured a player who had attracted interest from other clubs.

“We’re absolutely delighted to bring Haissem to Celtic, and I think the club has done a fantastic job to sign a player of this quality, particularly with a number of other clubs interested in him,” said O’Neill.

“He has the ability and experience to produce excellent performances with us, having already proved himself at the highest levels of domestic and international football.”

O’Neill added: “I know he is hugely excited to join us, and I’m sure our supporters will enjoy the energy and attacking desire that Haissem will bring to matches. I hope he becomes a very important part of our team in the period ahead.”