Egypt winger Haitham Hassan joins Scottish giants Celtic

Egypt winger Haitham Hassan has completed his move from Spanish side Real Oviedo to Scottish champions Celtic, signing a four-year contract with an option for a further season.

Celtic confirmed the 24-year-old’s arrival on Wednesday after receiving the necessary international clearances. Hassan will wear the number 23 shirt as the Scottish club prepare for another Champions League campaign.

The move follows a strong period for Hassan, who attracted significant attention after his performances for Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Hassan makes move from Spain to Scotland

Hassan was born in France and began his professional career with Châteauroux before moving to Spain in 2020 to join Villarreal.

He subsequently spent time on trial with Mirandés and Sporting Gijón before joining Real Oviedo in 2024.

The winger played an important role as Oviedo secured promotion to La Liga during his first season at the club and continued to make regular appearances in Spain’s top flight last season.

His performances for Egypt at the 2026 World Cup, particularly in the round of 16 against Argentina, further increased his profile and attracted interest from several clubs.

Celtic ultimately won the race for his signature.

2️⃣3️⃣#WelcomeHaissem | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/l8kAk5IMtg

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 12, 2026

Celtic agree reported £6m deal

The transfer is reportedly worth an initial £6m, with performance-related incentives potentially taking the total value to £8.5m.

Villarreal are also set to benefit from the deal after retaining 40% of Hassan’s future resale rights when he left for Real Oviedo.

That arrangement means the Spanish club are reportedly in line to receive around €2.4m from his move to Celtic.

Hassan’s absence from Oviedo’s squad for a recent friendly against French side Le Havre had already fuelled speculation about his future.

It later emerged that the omission was not injury-related and came as the transfer to Celtic moved towards completion.

Hassan delighted to join Celtic

The Egyptian international said he was honoured to join the Scottish champions and eager to begin working with his new team-mates.

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

He added: “When I learned of Celtic’s interest in signing me, I felt I had to come here and be part of this club.”

Hassan also outlined his ambitions with the Scottish side.

“I am very much looking forward to getting to know all my new teammates and facing the challenges that await us. I want to contribute my part to achieving success and making our fans happy.”

O’Neill backs Egypt winger to make impact

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill welcomed Hassan’s arrival and believes the club have secured a player capable of making an immediate impact.

“We are very pleased to have brought Haitham to Celtic, and I think the club has done a fantastic job to sign a player of this quality, especially with a number of other clubs interested in signing him.”

O’Neill added: “He has the ability and experience that will help him deliver outstanding performances with us, after proving himself at the highest levels in local and international football.”

The Celtic boss also expects Hassan’s attacking qualities to make him a popular figure among the club’s supporters.

“I know he is very excited to join us, and I am sure our fans will enjoy the energy and attacking desire that Haitham will bring to the games. I hope he will become a very important element in our squad in the coming period.”

Hassan now begins a new chapter in Scotland, with Celtic’s domestic ambitions and Champions League campaign providing the Egyptian winger with an opportunity to establish himself on another major European stage.