Celtic’s pursuit of Haissem Hassan has encountered a setback, with reports indicating that the Egyptian international now prefers a move to Marseille. According to Celtic FC News Room, the Ligue 1 club has agreed on personal terms with the 24-year-old after several weeks of negotiations. However, the transfer remains unconfirmed as Marseille must first reduce their squad size before finalizing the deal, putting the French side in a more favorable position.
Celtic face fresh setback as Marseille close in on winger
Consequently, Celtic finds themselves in a waiting game rather than in control of the situation. Initial discussions had seemed promising for the Scottish champions, but Hassan’s preference has shifted towards Marseille. Without a sudden change in Marseille’s squad dynamics or financial flexibility, Martin O’Neill’s team risks missing out on one of their primary attacking targets ahead of the transfer window’s closure.
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Hassan had a solid season with Real Oviedo in La Liga during 2025/26, featuring in 37 league matches with 20 starts. He notched up three assists, successfully completed 26 dribbles, achieved an impressive 82% passing accuracy, and accumulated a total of 1,965 minutes on the field. These statistics highlight the interest from multiple clubs 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 presented a significant challenge for Celtic. The departure of Daizen Maeda to Ipswich Town increased the urgency, as Celtic seeks a winger capable of extending defenses, isolating full-backs, and transforming slow attacks into fast breaks.
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Hassan possesses several attributes to fulfill these requirements. He approaches defenders confidently, changes direction quickly, and maintains control while covering long distances with the ball. His abilities were evident during the 2026 World Cup, where he contributed to Egypt’s impressive run to the Round of 16, including an assist against Argentina.
Celtic should move quickly if Marseille complete the deal
There is cause for caution regarding Hassan. He did not score a goal in La Liga last season and only managed three assists during his 37 appearances. Although his dribbling is eye-catching, questions arise concerning his decision-making in critical moments, casting doubt on whether his performance justifies an estimated investment of £8 million.
Reports reveal that Hassan turned down a £10 million offer from Saudi Arabia before accepting Marseille’s personal contract terms, clearly indicating his preferred destination. Celtic should consider redirecting their focus toward Mika Baur, Gvidas Gineitis, or another winger with a more proven scoring record, instead of lingering in a protracted transfer chase that appears to be slipping away.
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.
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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.
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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.
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