Egypt international Haitham Hassan has joined Scottish club Celtic from Spanish side Real Oviedo on a four-year contract, adding a second Arab player to the club’s attacking ranks.
The transfer, announced by Celtic, is reportedly worth £9m including add-ons and incentives, according to newspaper reports.
Hassan’s move follows his impressive performances for Egypt at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, where he scored during the Pharaohs’ 3-2 defeat by Argentina in the last 16.
The transfer represents another significant step in the player’s career and makes him the fourth Arab player to have represented Celtic.
Hassan will now link up with Tunisia international Sebastian Tonkti, who has been at Celtic since joining from Swedish club Hammarby last summer.
The arrival of the Egyptian is expected to create a new Arab partnership within Celtic’s attacking unit.
Tonkti enjoyed a substantial role for the Scottish club last season, making 47 appearances and contributing five goals and three assists.
The two players could also have an advantage in developing an understanding because of their shared cultural background.
Hassan has Tunisian roots through his mother’s side, potentially giving him an additional connection with Tonkti away from football as well as on the pitch.
The pair’s relationship will be closely watched as Hassan begins his first season in Scottish football following his move from Spain.
For Hassan, the Celtic transfer comes after a World Cup campaign that helped raise his profile.
His goal against Argentina came in Egypt’s last-16 match, although the Pharaohs were eventually eliminated after losing 3-2.
The move to Celtic therefore gives the player an opportunity to build on that international exposure while beginning a new chapter at one of Scotland’s leading clubs.
Hassan is not the first Arab footballer to represent Celtic.
Moroccan Badr El Kaddouri was the first, joining the club in 2011 on a six-month loan.
El Kaddouri was brought in by then-manager Neil Lennon as cover for injured first-choice right-back Emilio Izaguirre.
The Morocco international made seven appearances for Celtic during his brief spell and scored once.
A year later, another Tunisian followed.
Lassad Nouioui joined Celtic in the summer of 2012 after leaving Spanish club Deportivo La Coruña.
His stay in Glasgow lasted one season, during which he made 19 appearances and scored three goals.
Tonkti subsequently became the third Arab player in Celtic’s history when he joined the club from Hammarby.
The Tunisian remains under contract with Celtic until the summer of 2030, giving the club a long-term commitment to one half of its new Arab attacking partnership.
Hassan’s arrival now expands that history while also giving Celtic two Arab players within the current squad.
The Egyptian’s four-year agreement indicates the club’s confidence in his potential following his performances for Real Oviedo and Egypt.
With Tonkti already established after a full season at Celtic, Hassan will have a familiar cultural connection as he adapts to a new league and a different football environment.
His arrival also adds another dimension to Celtic’s attacking options, with the Egyptian coming into the squad after making an impact on the biggest international stage.
The move means Hassan joins a club that has previously provided opportunities to players from across the Arab world, while his partnership with Tonkti could become one of the notable features of Celtic’s new campaign.
