Egypt international Haitham Hassan has left Spain as he moves closer to completing a transfer from Real Oviedo to Scottish club Celtic.
The winger is expected to undergo a medical in Scotland as negotiations between the two clubs continue, with an official announcement potentially coming soon.
A source close to the player confirmed his arrival in Scotland and said the final stages of the transfer were being discussed between Celtic and Real Oviedo.
“Haitham Hassan arrived in Scotland tonight and is scheduled to undergo medical tests tomorrow.”
The source also revealed that talks between the clubs had intensified as they worked towards completing the transfer.
“Intensive negotiations have been taking place between Real Oviedo and Celtic for several hours, and the official announcement of the deal could be made tomorrow.”
Hassan has yet to sign a contract with Celtic, despite reports suggesting that the 22-year-old had already agreed a four-year deal with the Scottish club.
His move to Celtic would represent the latest step in a career that has included spells in Spain and involvement with the Egypt national team.
Celtic move approaches final stage
Hassan’s potential move to Celtic had already been reported as being close to completion, but the transfer had been delayed while negotiations continued.
Reports of an agreement between the player and Celtic emerged before the final stages of the deal had been completed. However, Hassan had not formally signed for the Scottish club at the time of the latest developments.
His arrival in Scotland now represents a significant step towards completing the move.
The medical examination is expected to be one of the final requirements before the transfer can be formally announced.
At the same time, Real Oviedo and Celtic have continued negotiations over the details of the transfer.
The source close to Hassan said discussions had been taking place for several hours, suggesting that the clubs were working to resolve the remaining issues.
If an agreement is completed, Hassan will leave Real Oviedo after one season at the Spanish club.
Hassan joined Oviedo in 2024
Hassan moved to Real Oviedo in the summer of 2024 after leaving Villarreal in a deal worth €1.5m.
He remains under contract with Oviedo until 30 June 2027, although his reported departure would bring his time at the club to an end earlier than originally planned.
His current market value is listed at €3.5m by Transfermarkt.
The Egyptian international has now attracted Celtic’s interest, with the Scottish club pushing to complete the transfer during the current summer window.
His departure has also been acknowledged by Real Oviedo manager Julian Calero, who said the club had been aware that some players could leave because of its financial circumstances.
Oviedo manager accepts Hassan may leave
Calero said Hassan’s quality was known within the club and admitted that retaining him would have benefited the team.
However, the manager also pointed to the club’s economic situation and the player’s own wishes when discussing the possibility of his departure.
“We all know Haitham Hassan and his abilities, and of course his continued presence would have suited our team, but we must also consider the club’s economic situation, the player’s wishes, and the offers or options available to him from other clubs. We have a salary cap, and we were aware that some departures were inevitable, and he was one of the players likely to leave. These are the circumstances, and I have to adapt to them.”
Calero’s comments indicate that Hassan’s possible departure had been anticipated by the Spanish club.
The manager also acknowledged that Oviedo’s salary restrictions meant some departures were unavoidable, with Hassan among the players considered likely to leave.
Official announcement could follow medical
The immediate focus is now on Hassan’s medical examination in Scotland.
Once that process is completed and the remaining negotiations between Celtic and Real Oviedo are concluded, the transfer could be officially confirmed.
Hassan’s arrival in Scotland therefore puts the move much closer to completion after days of uncertainty over the transfer.
For Celtic, the signing would add an Egyptian international who has developed his career in Spain since moving from Villarreal to Oviedo in 2024.
For Hassan, meanwhile, a successful move would see him begin a new chapter in Scotland after his spell in Spanish football.
The player has not yet formally signed for Celtic, but his departure from Spain and arrival in Scotland suggest that the transfer is now approaching its final stage.
