Celtic’s new signings looked a lot better at the weekend against Kilmarnock. The improved displays offered supporters a much-needed boost after a difficult start for some of the summer arrivals.
Kasper Hogh scored a hat-trick to silence the doubts that had arisen after a tough debut against Dundee FC last week.
His clinical finishing and overall energy gave the Parkhead faithful something positive to focus on. Camilo Duran also got himself an assist, showing flashes of the quality that convinced the club to bring him in.
Despite that encouraging afternoon, one would imagine that Duran is not being viewed as the long-term starter on the wing.
Celtic continue to search for additional attacking options who can offer greater consistency and quality in the final third.
The squad is still taking shape, and the club’s recruitment team has been working hard to strengthen key areas before the transfer window shuts.
Hassan Transfer Saga Creates Anxiety Among Supporters
Haissem Hassan has been linked with a move to Celtic heavily this summer. The Egyptian winger has been the subject of persistent speculation for several weeks, with many fans hoping the deal would be completed sooner rather than later. But there have been genuine fears that a proposed transfer could collapse at the final hurdle. Those concerns only grew as the days passed without official confirmation.
Of course, there had been suggestions a few days back that a move would be announced on Friday or on the weekend. Neither ended up happening, raising concerns among the Celtic support. Social media was filled with speculation and frustration as another deadline passed without news. Supporters have become used to watching deals drag on, and the lack of progress only fuelled the anxiety.
On top of that, rumours had also broken out that Marseille were showing late interest in signing Hassan. The French club’s reported involvement added another layer of uncertainty. Celtic fans know all too well how quickly other clubs can derail a transfer when a player begins to attract attention. And if the Hoops did fail at the final steps to get a deal over the line, then it would not be the first time in recent memory that is for sure. Previous windows have seen promising targets slip away at the last minute, leaving supporters disappointed and the squad short of reinforcements.
Celtic Handed Positive News in Haissem Hassan Transfer Race
Fortunately, it looks like it will not come to that. And Celtic are now on the verge of getting the deal done. After days of nervous waiting, positive reports have emerged that suggest the transfer is finally moving toward completion. The club appears to have navigated the late complications and is close to securing the player’s signature.
According to El Periódico Mediterráneo (via Sport Witness), Celtic and Real Oviedo have reached an agreement worth €6 million (£5.2 million) for the transfer of Hassan. The reported fee represents a significant investment in a player who is still developing his career. Both clubs appear to have found common ground after what had become a protracted negotiation process.
And they are not the only outlet pointing in that direction. According to CeltsAreHere, sources close to Real Oviedo have indicated that Hassan’s move to Celtic is now “almost closed”. The expectation is that the final details could be completed as early as Tuesday. Medicals and personal terms are understood to be the remaining steps, and there is growing confidence that nothing will prevent the deal from being finalised.
So, it is very likely that Hassan will complete a move to Celtic before the Champions League squad deadline. Timing is crucial. Securing the player in time to register him for European competition would give Martin an additional option in what is expected to be a demanding campaign. The ability to name Hassan in the squad list would be a major boost for the manager as he prepares for the challenges ahead.
Is Hassan the Right Signing for Celtic?
There are definitely going to be those who question whether this is the right move or not. After all, Hassan did not score a single goal for Real Oviedo last season as they were relegated from La Liga. That bare statistic will inevitably be used by critics to question the value of the transfer. Some supporters may wonder whether Celtic are taking a risk on a player who struggled to make an impact in Spain’s top flight.
Some of the underlying numbers were promising though as he was one of the best dribblers in the Spanish top flight. Hassan consistently showed the ability to beat opponents in one-on-one situations, creating space and opportunities even when his team were under pressure. Celtic could certainly do with someone with the ability to consistently get past his defender. In a league where many full-backs sit deep and look to nullify attacking threats, a player who can unlock defences with direct running is a valuable asset.
Also, it is worth recognising that it is not easy for a winger to showcase his best playing for a team that ends up 20th in the table. Real Oviedo’s struggles meant that Hassan often found himself isolated or forced to work in a side that spent long periods without the ball. Creating chances and finding the net becomes significantly harder when the team as a whole is underperforming. Hassan might look a lot better playing for a club like Celtic, where the system is designed to dominate possession and provide regular service to the wide areas.
The environment at Celtic Park is very different from what he experienced in Spain. Playing in front of large, passionate crowds every week, with a clear attacking philosophy and high expectations, can bring the best out of certain players. Many signings have thrived after moving from struggling sides into a club that regularly competes for trophies and European football.
Hassan did impress at the World Cup and was phenomenal in their game against Argentina. That performance on the biggest stage offered a glimpse of what he is capable of when given the platform. If Celtic get that version of the Egyptian winger, there is reason to be excited. The combination of pace, technical ability and confidence shown in those moments suggests he has the tools to succeed in Scotland and beyond.
Of course, adapting to a new league, a new country and a new style of play will take time. Supporters will need to be patient as Hassan settles in. The physical demands of the Scottish Premiership and the intensity of matches at Celtic Park are different from what he has been used to. Yet the early signs from other new arrivals this weekend suggest that the current group is beginning to find its feet. A successful integration for Hassan could give Celtic another dangerous attacking option as the season progresses.
What This Transfer Means for Celtic
Completing the deal for Haissem Hassan would represent another step in Celtic’s summer recruitment. The club has already brought in several new faces, and the addition of a dynamic winger would further strengthen the attacking options available to the manager. With European football on the horizon and domestic expectations remaining high, depth and quality in the final third are essential.
The reported fee of £5.2 million indicates that Celtic are prepared to invest in players they believe can make a difference. While some will debate the value based on last season’s goal return, the underlying attributes and the potential for improvement in a stronger environment provide a clear rationale for the move. If the final details are completed in the coming days as expected, Hassan could soon be pulling on the green and white hoops and preparing for his first appearances.
For now, the focus remains on getting the paperwork finished and ensuring the player is registered in time for the Champions League. Celtic supporters will be hoping that the positive reports prove accurate and that the transfer which once looked in danger of collapsing is finally confirmed. After the encouraging displays against Kilmarnock, the arrival of another attacking talent would only add to the sense that the squad is moving in the right direction.
The coming days will reveal whether the deal is indeed closed. If everything goes to plan, Haissem Hassan will become the latest name on Celtic’s growing list of summer signings, and the debate over whether he is the right fit can begin in earnest once he steps onto the pitch.