Sunday’s game against St. Mirren couldn’t have gone much better for Celtic. Fresh from a debut full of criticism, new signing Kasper Hogh silenced critics with a stunning first-half hat-trick.
On the same weekend that Rangers struggled once again, the Bhoys made it six points from a possible six and are already pushing ahead of their rivals.
The good news doesn’t stop there, either. With less than a month until the summer transfer window closes, Celtic are expected to welcome another attacking talent in Haissem Hassan.
The Egyptian winger lit up the World Cup and very nearly put Argentina to the sword in the last 16, before Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez had their say.
His performances on the biggest stage came at a good time for his club career. Having just been relegated with Real Oviedo in an underwhelming campaign, a move has looked on the cards all summer. The World Cup simply helped raise his stock.
Some will be quick to point out that the winger went the entirety of the La Liga campaign without a goal last season, but a deeper dive suggests that this is a player just waiting to explode.
In Spain’s top flight last season, Hassan was in the top 93% for successful dribbles after completing almost three per 90. To put into context how impressive that would be in the current Celtic side, fellow new signing Camilo Duran has managed just 1.27 per 90 in the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic expected to announce Haissem Hassan arrival
According to El Periódico Mediterráneo in Spain, as relayed by Sport Witness, Celtic are expected to announce the arrival of Hassan ‘in the coming hours’ after reaching a full agreement over a fee, having already agreed personal terms. The Scottish champions have reportedly agreed a deal worth €6m (£5m), considerably less than the player’s €12m (£10.4m) release clause.
In Hassan, Celtic are signing an even bigger name than Hogh. The Oviedo man stunned fans all over the globe at the World Cup and boasts a social media following of nearly 2m on Instagram – the winger has genuine star power.
By the end of the window, the arrival of the new attacking duo should dispel any reservations regarding the Bhoys’ capacity to sign top players.
A player of Hassan’s ability will complete a revamped assault that already includes a hat-trick hero and cunning winger Duran as the champions prepare for another defence.
Now, the most important question is when Hassan will be accessible. He could be available for Celtic’s Champions League qualifying match against LASK on Wednesday, which would be a huge boost, assuming his arrival is announced in “the coming hours” as reported.
