Celtic pursue Haitham Hassan transfer as Real Oviedo demand higher fee
Celtic advance a Haitham Hassan transfer bid for the Egyptian winger after an initial offer of about £3.4m was turned down by Real Oviedo, which is seeking a substantially larger fee and could insist on a release figure near £10m.
Celtic lodge opening bid for Haitham Hassan
Celtic have made a formal approach for Haitham Hassan as the club looks to add pace and creativity on the flanks ahead of the new season. The Scottish side tabled an opening offer valued at approximately £3.4 million, signalling clear intent to strengthen their attacking options.
Club sources say Celtic view Hassan as a player who can operate across either wing and provide immediate competition for starts, particularly with continental fixtures in mind. The proposal represents a first step in what could become a protracted negotiation if both clubs remain apart on valuation.
Real Oviedo insist on higher fee and £10m release clause
Real Oviedo rejected the opening bid and have made clear they expect a higher transfer sum for their 24-year-old winger. Reports indicate Hassan’s contract contains a release clause in the region of £10 million, which functions as a ceiling for an outright purchase without Oviedo’s consent.
Oviedo’s stance is driven by the player’s recent form and growing market interest, and the Spanish club is prepared to hold out for an offer closer to their valuation. That position gives Oviedo leverage, though it leaves room for compromise through add-ons or staged payments that could bridge the gap.
Haitham Hassan’s career path and international rise
Hassan, 24, developed initially in the Châteauroux academy in France before moving to Villarreal in Spain, where he continued his progression through youth ranks and subsequent loan spells. He gained regular first-team experience with clubs including Sporting Gijón and Real Valladolid before establishing himself as a key figure at Real Oviedo.
His stock has risen markedly following strong displays for the Egyptian national team, where speed, direct dribbling and chance-creation have drawn attention from several European suitors. That international exposure is a primary reason Oviedo are seeking a premium for his services.
Playing profile and why Celtic are interested
A natural winger by trade, Hassan is noted for his acceleration, tight control in one-on-one situations and ability to create opportunities between the lines. He can operate on either flank and is capable of cutting inside to influence central play or staying wide to stretch defences.
Those attributes align with Celtic’s recent recruitment needs as the club aims to refresh its attacking corps with players who can impact games both domestically and in European competition. Hassan’s balance of pace and end-product would add another dimension to Celtic’s forward options.
Market interest and negotiation dynamics
Hassan’s improved performances have reportedly attracted attention beyond Scotland, with a number of European clubs monitoring the situation and evaluating potential bids. That wider interest increases Oviedo’s bargaining power and could push the final fee upward if several suitors enter the race.
Negotiations now appear set to hinge on structure as much as headline numbers, with possibilities including performance-related add-ons, sell-on clauses and staggered payments forming likely compromises. The transfer window timetable means both clubs have incentive to reach a deal before squads are finalised for the season.
Implications for player and clubs if deal proceeds
Should a Haitham Hassan transfer be completed, it would represent a noteworthy step for the Egyptian winger into a club accustomed to domestic dominance and regular European competition. For Celtic, securing a player of Hassan’s profile would bolster depth and offer tactical flexibility across multiple fronts.
For Real Oviedo, an agreement that approaches their valuation would provide funds to reinvest in the squad while rewarding a player whose development they helped foster. The outcome will be watched closely by other clubs and national team supporters alike as the window progresses.
Celtic and Real Oviedo are expected to continue talks in the coming days as both sides attempt to close the valuation gap, with Hassan’s international form and versatility keeping him firmly in demand.
