Celtic have completed the £9 million signing of Haissem Hassan from Real Oviedo as manager Martin O'Neill continues a major summer transfer spending spree.
The 22-year-old winger signed a four-year contract with an option for a further 12 months at Parkhead, while Celtic are also closing in on a £6.8 million deal for SC Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur.
Baur missed training with the newly promoted Bundesliga side yesterday as the promising playmaker prepares to complete a five-year contract. Celtic hope to finalize the transfer in time for next week's crucial Champions League qualifying play-off against Austrian double-winners LASK.
The duo are set to join fellow summer arrivals Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran in Glasgow as Celtic continue to invest heavily in their squad ahead of European and domestic competition.
European ambitions and trophy targets
Hassan, who arrived at Celtic after playing for Egypt at the World Cup, made clear that his focus is set on winning trophies and making an impact in European competition.
"At Celtic, everything is about winning and that's what I want," Hassan told Celtic Player. "We need to prove we are still the best team in Scotland, qualify for the Champions League and have a good run in Europe."
"I have come here to help the club win trophies and I am very excited about the prospect of celebrating a trophy with the supporters," he added.
Describing his style of play, Hassan stated that his primary role is to entertain the supporters at Parkhead. "Football is about entertainment and my first job is to bring enjoyment to the fans who come to the stadium. I'd say I am a skilful winger who likes one-on-one situations and combining with my team-mates," he said.
Midfield rebuild and transfer interest
Alongside the expected arrival of Baur, Celtic have also placed Canadian World Cup star Niko Sigur high on their transfer target list to bolster their midfield further.
Sigur, a fan favourite at Croatian club Hajduk Split, operates in a defensively minded role and would provide defensive stability in central midfield.
Celtic look likely to finance a move for Sigur through a windfall from the sale of Belgian midfielder Arne Engels, with West Ham United preparing a fresh bid for the player.
The 22-year-old Belgian was signed from German outfit FC Augsburg for £11 million back in August 2024. West Ham, an English Championship side aiming to return to the Premier League at the first attempt, view Engels as a key target.
Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson and his recruitment team have previously turned down proposals from West Ham. Nicholson also rejected a £25 million bid from Nottingham Forest during the January transfer window, holding out for a £30 million valuation.
However, sources in London believe West Ham could complete a deal below £30 million, with hopes that a structured agreement close to Forest's £25 million figure can be reached.
Martin O'Neill welcomes Hassan
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expressed his delight at securing Hassan's signature despite interest from several other clubs.
"We are delighted to bring Haissem to Celtic and I think the club has done really well to secure a player of such quality, with a number of other clubs interested in him," O'Neill said.
"He is someone who I think has the ability and experience to do very well for us, performing at a high level in domestic and international football," O'Neill added. "I know he is excited about being with us and I am sure our fans will enjoy the energy and attacking intent which Haissem will bring to matches."
