Celtic have moved to submit a fresh bid for Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan following his standout performance in Egypt’s 3‑2 victory over Argentina on Tuesday. The 24‑year‑old delivered an assist for Mostafa Ziko’s second‑half goal and posted an 85 % pass‑completion rate, prompting manager Brendan Rodgers to revisit the £3.5 million offer that was previously rejected.
Why is Hassan attracting fresh interest?
Hassan’s display against the World Cup holders showed composure under pressure. Fotmob recorded four successful dribbles, two touches inside the opposition box and seven ground duels won, all on a night when Egypt flirted with one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. Those numbers contrast sharply with Celtic’s recent attacking woes – only Daizen Maeda reached double‑figure league goals last season and the team managed eight assists in total. Adding a right‑winger who can both create and finish could address that deficiency.
How does the bid fit Celtic’s summer strategy?
The Hoops have yet to complete a signing this window, but a deal for Camilo Duran is expected soon. An improved offer for Hassan would signal a shift toward strengthening the flanks, especially as Celtic sit third in the Premiership with 67 points from 33 games (21W‑4D‑8L) and a recent five‑game winning streak (WWWWW). The club trails leaders Heart of Midlothian by three points, and a boost to the attacking line‑up could be decisive in the title race.
What are the financial and contractual considerations?
Hassan’s contract includes a £10 million release clause, a figure that aligns with Celtic’s willingness to invest in proven talent. The initial £3.5 million bid was turned down by Oviedo, but the winger’s recent form may give Celtic leverage to negotiate a lower fee or add performance‑related add‑ons. Should the deal go through, he would join a squad that has conceded 35 goals this season while scoring 59, a +24 goal difference that underlines the need for more firepower up front.
Who else is on Celtic’s radar?
Alongside Hassan, the club has been linked with Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis and Lithuanian international Arne Engels. Both are seen as potential solutions to a midfield vacancy that has emerged after recent rumors of departures. However, the priority appears to be securing a winger who can replicate Hassan’s impact against top‑class opposition.
Celtic’s next move will likely be announced within days, as the summer window closes and the pressure to close the gap on Hearts intensifies. If the bid succeeds, Hassan could debut in the upcoming league fixture against Dunfermline, where Celtic earned a 3‑1 win on 23 May 2026, further cementing their recent form.
What does this mean for Celtic’s title hopes?
A successful acquisition would give Rodgers an extra outlet on the right, potentially turning tight games into comfortable wins. With the team already on a five‑match winning run and only three points shy of the leaders, adding a player who proved he can perform against world‑class defenders could be the edge needed to reclaim the top spot.
Live data as of 10 July 2026: Celtic sit 3rd in the Premiership with 67 points (21W‑4D‑8L) and a recent run of five straight wins (WWWWW). The side has scored 59 and conceded 35 this season, sitting three points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian.
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