Celtic’s pursuit of Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan has taken a twist. Liverpool now emerges as a rival for the Egyptian after the Scottish champions’ initial approach earlier this summer.
We recently covered reports from Spain claimingCeltic had already tabled a €4m (£3.5m) offer for the 24-year-old. However, Real Oviedo continues to point interested clubs towards his €12m (£10.4m) release clause.
According to Spanish outlet El Gol Digital, Liverpool have now opened talks with the Spanish club as they explore a move for Hassan. The report claims the Reds hope to negotiate a fee below the value of his release clause. They would prefer to do this rather than trigger it outright.
Celtic ready to improve proposal
The same report states Celtic are not backing away from the race despite the Premier League competition.
Instead, the Bhoys are said to be preparing a new offer worth between €7m (£6.1m) and €8m (£6.9m). This is a significant increase on the €4m (£3.5m) bid previously reported. Even so, that would still fall short of the €12m (£10.4m) figure Real Oviedo continue to demand.
The Spanish club are in a relatively strong position. Hassan remains under contract until 2027, although they have already suffered relegation from La Liga, which could eventually increase the pressure to cash in before his deal enters its final year.
Liverpool competition changes picture
Haissem Hassan’s performances at the World Cup have clearly raised his profile. He registered an assist during Egypt’s defeat to Argentina and attracted praise for his display despite his country’s elimination.
El Gol Digital adds that Liverpool’s interest has intensified following the tournament, while also claiming Turkish clubs have already seen approaches rejected.
As always with reports from Spain, especially at this stage of the window, a degree of caution is sensible. However, Liverpool’s emergence would represent a new obstacle for Celtic if both clubs are now pursuing the winger.
The biggest development is that the Scottish champions are no longer reported to be negotiating in isolation.
If Real Oviedo continue insisting on the €12m (£10.4m) clause, Celtic may have to decide whether to move even closer to that valuation or risk losing Hassan to Premier League competition.