£8m Twist Leaves Celtic Facing Major Blow As 24-Year-Old Makes Transfer Choice: Setback For The Hoops? | OneFootball

Celtic’s hopes of signing Haissem Hassan have taken a hit after fresh claims suggested the Egyptian international now favours Marseille. According to Celtic FC News Room, the Ligue 1 side have reached an agreement on personal terms with the 24-year-old after holding discussions for several weeks. The transfer has yet to cross the line because Marseille must trim their squad before committing funds, although the French club now appear to hold the advantage.

Celtic face fresh setback as Marseille close in on winger

That leaves Celtic watching events unfold rather than controlling them. Earlier talks had placed the Scottish champions in a strong position, yet Hassan’s preference has shifted. Unless Marseille fail to create room in their squad or free up finances, Martin O’Neill’s side could lose one of their leading attacking targets before the window closes.

Hassan enjoyed a respectable campaign with Real Oviedo in La Liga during 2025/26. He made 37 league appearances, including 20 starts, produced three assists, completed 26 successful dribbles, posted an 82% passing accuracy and accumulated 1,965 minutes. Those figures explain why several clubs remain interested despite his limited attacking output.

OVIEDO, SPAIN – OCTOBER 17: Haissem Hassan of Real Oviedo during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Oviedo and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona at Carlos Tartiere on October 17, 2025 in Oviedo, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Replacing Nicolas Kühn already looked like a demanding task. After Daizen Maeda left for Ipswich Town, the need becomes even greater. Celtic require a winger capable of stretching defences, creating isolation against full-backs and turning slow attacks into quick breaks.

Hassan ticks plenty of those boxes. He attacks defenders with confidence, changes direction sharply and carries the ball over long distances without losing control. Egypt benefited from those qualities during the 2026 World Cup, where he impressed throughout their run to the Round of 16 and supplied an assist against Argentina.

Celtic should move quickly if Marseille complete the deal

There is, though, a reason for caution. Hassan failed to score in La Liga last season and registered only three assists across 37 appearances. His dribbling catches the eye, yet his final decision often falls short, leaving questions over whether his numbers justify an investment worth around £8 million.

Reports have already stated that Hassan turned down a £10 million proposal from Saudi Arabia before accepting Marseille’s personal package. That points clearly to where he wants to play. Celtic shouldn’t become trapped in a lengthy transfer battle if that stance doesn’t change. Redirecting attention towards Mika Baur, Gvidas Gineitis or another winger with a stronger scoring record would make far more sense than chasing a deal that keeps drifting further away.