Celtic has made a significant move in the transfer market, signing midfielder Haissem Hassan on a four-year contract with an option for a further year, for a reported fee of £9 million. The club is also nearing the completion of a £6.8 million deal for German midfielder Mika Baur from SC Paderborn.
Hassan, who joins from Real Oviedo, has expressed his ambition to help Celtic achieve success in Europe. "At Celtic, everything is about winning and that's what I want," Hassan told Celtic Player. "We need to prove we are still the best team in Scotland, qualify for the Champions League and have a good run in Europe. I have come here to help the club win trophies and I am very excited about the prospect of celebrating a trophy with the supporters."
The new signing described himself as a skillful winger who enjoys one-on-one situations and combining with teammates, aiming to bring entertainment to the fans. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill welcomed Hassan, stating, "We are delighted to bring Haissem to Celtic and I think the club has done really well to secure a player of such quality, with a number of other clubs interested in him. He is someone who I think has the ability and experience to do very well for us, performing at a high level in domestic and international football."
German playmaker Mika Baur, 22, has reportedly missed training with his current club, newly promoted Bundesliga side SC Paderborn, as he finalizes a five-year deal with Celtic. His arrival is expected in time for the club's crucial Champions League qualifying play-off match against Austrian champions LASK next week. Hassan and Baur will join fellow new arrivals Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran as Celtic continues to invest in its squad.
Meanwhile, Celtic is also reportedly interested in Canadian World Cup player Niko Sigur, a defensively minded midfielder from Hajduk Split. This pursuit comes as West Ham United is preparing to make a renewed bid for Celtic's Belgian midfielder Arne Engels. Celtic reportedly values Engels, signed in August 2024 for £11 million, at around £30 million, having previously rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and West Ham. Sources indicate West Ham may be able to secure a deal for a fee in the region of £25 million. Mika Baur looks set to be next to land at Celtic, with a £6.8m deal close. Haissem Hassan has joined Celtic on the back of playing for Egypt at the World Cup. Baur's arrival could pave the way for Arne Engels to leave Celtic, with West Ham interested.