Report: Liverpool have opened talks to sign World Cup forward with a £10.4m release clause | OneFootball

Liverpool Enter Haissem Hassan Race as Real Oviedo Stand Firm

Liverpool have reportedly joined the developing chase for Haissem Hassan, with Real Oviedo’s valuation emerging as the central issue in any prospective deal. According to El Gol Digital, the Merseyside club have opened talks with the Spanish side over the 24-year-old winger, who has already attracted serious attention from Celtic earlier in the window.

The broad picture is clear. Real Oviedo are directing suitors towards Hassan’s €12m, £10.4m, release clause, while interested clubs are attempting to test whether a lower figure could be accepted. Liverpool are said to fall into that category, exploring conditions for a deal below the buyout value rather than moving immediately to trigger it.

Haissem Hassan Transfer Battle Develops

Celtic had previously been credited with an opening proposal of €4m, £3.5m, but that offer never looked likely to satisfy Oviedo. The latest indication is that the Scottish champions are preparing to return with a package in the region of €7m, £6.1m, to €8m, £6.9m. That would represent a notable step forward, although it would still leave a gap to the amount Oviedo continue to reference.

From the Spanish club’s perspective, the negotiating stance makes sense. Hassan remains under contract until 2027, giving them a measure of protection even after relegation from La Liga. There may come a point where market realities alter that position, though for now they appear comfortable waiting to see whether competition between buyers strengthens their hand.

Real Oviedo Valuation Remains Key

Hassan’s profile has risen in recent weeks following his World Cup exposure with Egypt. His assist in the defeat to Argentina, alongside a performance that drew recognition despite elimination, seems to have sharpened wider interest. The same report suggests Turkish approaches have already been turned away, which only reinforces Oviedo’s resolve.

Photo: IMAGO

For Liverpool, this feels like the stage of a market check rather than a move approaching completion. Clubs at this level will often gather information, assess the contractual landscape and decide whether the deal merits acceleration. Hassan may be under consideration, but the financial terms, squad planning and level of conviction would all need to align before the situation advanced meaningfully.

Our View

From a Liverpool fan perspective, this is exactly the kind of story that invites caution. Hassan may be a talented winger and the reported price is not outrageous in the modern market, but there is still a familiar gap between being linked and being genuinely wanted. Liverpool are often mentioned in situations where they have merely asked the question, rather than set the process in motion.

There is also the squad context. If Liverpool are serious about wide options, supporters will want to know whether this is a first-team move, a developmental signing, or simply opportunistic tracking. At 24, Hassan is not a teenager for the future, so there would need to be a proper pathway and a clear football reason behind it.

Another point is the source of the leverage. Oviedo have every reason to use Celtic interest, Turkish interest and now Liverpool interest to keep the valuation high. That does not make the report wrong, but it does mean fans should be wary of assuming advanced negotiations are under way. Until there is stronger confirmation from the English side, this looks more like a live market situation than a transfer close to landing.

If Liverpool really believe Hassan can raise the level, they will pay what is needed or structure a deal smartly. If not, this may simply drift, as many early-window links do.