Celtic target has reportedly turned down a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia as he prioritises staying in European football.
The development comes as Celtic continue to assess their options ahead of the transfer window closing.
Remaining in Europe is said to be the player’s priority despite the financial rewards that were reportedly on offer from the Saudi Pro League.
The Real Oviedo winger remains one of the players on Celtic’s radar as Martin O’Neill looks to strengthen his attacking options before the transfer window closes.
The search for another wide player continues, with the club still looking to strengthen in that position before the deadline arrives.
Finding the right addition remains part of the manager’s plans.
According to Spanish outlet La Nueva España, the player’s representatives received a significant proposal from a Saudi Pro League club despite no transfer fee having been agreed with Real Oviedo.
The proposal arrived even though negotiations over a fee with the Spanish club had not been completed.
The reported interest highlighted the level of demand despite the transfer situation remaining unresolved.
Haissem Hassan is reported to have been offered a five-year contract worth around £2 million per season. However, the report claims the 24-year-old rejected the proposal and instead chose to focus on securing a move within European football.
His reported decision places sporting ambitions ahead of the lucrative financial package that was available.
That could prove encouraging news for Celtic. With the player reportedly prioritising Europe, the Scottish champions remain among the clubs monitoring the situation.
It also means the possibility of a European transfer remains alive while discussions continue over a potential move.
The Hoops remain in the market for a winger, and Hassan has long been viewed as one of the club’s leading targets. Strengthening in the wide areas continues to be a priority before the transfer window closes.
The winger has remained firmly on the club’s radar throughout the summer.
Discussions over a potential move remain ongoing, although reports last week claiming a deal had already been agreed were premature.
While negotiations continue, there is still no confirmed agreement between the clubs. The situation therefore remains open as both sides continue discussions.
Martin O’Neill’s need for another wide player was evident in Monday night’s 1-0 victory over Dundee. The match once again highlighted the current lack of natural options in the wide attacking positions. It reinforced the importance of adding further depth before the transfer window shuts.
With limited options available, the Celtic manager deployed Camilo Duran on the right wing to accommodate club-record signing Kasper Høgh through the middle.
The selection reflected the shortage of specialist wingers currently available. It also allowed Høgh to continue leading the attack in his preferred central role.
After the match, O’Neill admitted it was far from Duran’s natural role.
“I don’t think that wide right is really Camilo Duran’s position.”
The Colombian had scored three goals in three pre-season games while operating as a centre-forward, making it clear that his long-term future lies through the middle rather than out wide. His performances during pre-season came in a central attacking role rather than on the flank. Those displays underlined where he is most effective.
That only increases the need for a specialist winger. Celtic’s search for another player in that position therefore continues as the transfer window moves towards its conclusion. Bringing in a natural wide player remains an objective.
Hassan fits the profile Celtic are looking for, but agreeing a fee with Real Oviedo remains the biggest obstacle. Reaching acceptable terms with the Spanish club continues to be the key challenge in any potential deal. Until that hurdle is overcome, discussions are expected to remain ongoing.
The Spanish club have made it clear throughout the summer that they will only sanction a sale on terms they are happy with, despite the winger entering the final year of his contract. Their position has remained consistent during the transfer window. The ball is well and truly in Celtic’s court.