Real Oviedo boss says Haissem Hassan exit may be necessary amid Celtic reports

Real Oviedo manager Julian Calero says the club must consider Haissem Hassan’s wishes and its financial limitations as reports suggest Celtic have reached an agreement to sign the Egypt international.

Hassan’s possible departure was discussed by Calero after several reports indicated that Celtic had completed a deal with Real Oviedo for the winger. No further details of the reported agreement were given.

“We all know Haissem Hassan, and of course he could have been a good fit for us,” Calero told reporters.

The manager said, however, that Real Oviedo had to weigh a number of factors before deciding whether the player should leave, including the club’s financial position, Hassan’s preference and interest from other teams.

“But we also have to take into account the club’s financial situation, the player’s wishes and the offers made by other clubs,” Calero added.

Real Oviedo operate under a salary ceiling, meaning the club had already recognised that some departures could be required. Calero said Hassan was among the possible players who might leave and that he would have to adapt to the circumstances facing the club.

“We have a salary cap and we knew that the departure of some players was necessary. He was one of the possibilities; these are the circumstances and I have to adapt,” he said.

The comments come as Real Oviedo prepare to compete in the Segunda Division after being relegated from the top flight during the previous season. The club’s financial restrictions and the player’s own wishes are therefore central to the situation surrounding Hassan, according to Calero.

Hassan, who has represented Egypt at international level, featured at the 2022 World Cup. He played in two matches at the tournament and provided the assist for Egypt’s goal against Argentina.

The reports linking him with Celtic place his future at Real Oviedo in doubt, although Calero’s remarks indicate that any decision will need to reflect both the club’s financial requirements and Hassan’s preference. The manager’s comments did not confirm that the transfer had been completed, but acknowledged that the player’s departure was a realistic possibility.

The issue was discussed on Saturday, 8 August 2026, as Real Oviedo continue to manage their squad after returning to the second tier. For now, the club’s position is shaped by its salary limit, the potential offers available and the need to take the player’s wishes into account.