Celtic Get 'Green Light' to Hold Medical for Haissem Hassan

Celtic are closing in on their third signing of the summer as they look to bolster their ranks ahead of their all-important Champions League qualifiers. The Bhoys are now closing in on the signing of long-term target Haissem Hassan, who was quickly identified as the main winger target coming into the summer.

Martin O'Neill, who missed the second game of the season due to a health scare, is off to a flying start in his first full season back as boss, with the Hoops having won their first two games of the season, narrowly beating Dundee and thrashing Kilmarnock 5-1 in a game that saw new signing Kasper Hogh score four times.

But Celtic's business has been slow this summer, as it was this time last year, and that led to a Champions League exit in the playoffs, which the Scottish giants can't afford to have happen again.

Celtic to beat the clock with Hassan signing

The Bhoys have been racing to get new signings in to ensure they have more resources for their clash with Austrian champions LASK on August 18 and 25. One area O'Neill was clear in wanting more strength is out wide, with his style of play reliant on fast wingers, and while he does have options, it may say a lot that new striker signing Camilo Duran has started on the right for each of the first two games.

But a new winger has been sourced, with Real Oviedo wideman Hassan now set to sign.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has posted on X: "UPDATE: Celtic are closing in on the signing of Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan. It’s understood the clubs have agreed a deal in principle, which includes an initial fee of just under £6m, plus £3m worth of add-ons.

“Dribbling is worth money; there are almost no players like that in modern football.” - Real Oviedo director on Haissem Hassan

"A significant chunk of the bonus payments will be paid out if Celtic reach the league phase of the #UCL later this month. Hassan has been given the green light to undergo a medical and finalise the paperwork on his contract this week."

It's worth noting that Villarreal will receive 40% of the fees due to a pre-existing sell-on clause. Nonetheless, the deal will prove important for Oviedo in their bid to register new signings following their relegation from LaLiga, which has led to a lower salary cap number.

Celtic players who can play out wide

Benjamin Nygren

Yang Hyun-jun

Luke McCowan

Sebastian Tounekti

James Forrest

Jota

Camilo Duran

What to expert from Hassan

Hassan dazzled in the World Cup with Egypt this summer, but he has also impressed for Oviedo. Real Oviedo director Augustin Lleida has said previously: “Dribbling is worth money; there are almost no players like that in modern football.”

The winger has rapid speed and produces serious trickery on the ball. His final product has been questioned at times, but he is still only 24 years of age, and it usually takes some time for wingers to find that final product consistently, even with top wingers in the game.

Meanwhile, Celtic are also hoping to be bolstered by the return of Jota from a 16-month injury layoff in the next five-to-six weeks.

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