Haissem Hassan, the Egyptian international who has been long been a reported target of Martin O’Neill, has kept hopes of a move Celtic well and truly alive by snubbing a massive pay day in Saudi Arabia…
Speculation has been a little subdued recently over a move for the Real Oviedo man, but the winger who impressed at the recent World Cup in the United States, has turned his back on a the lucrative offer from an unknown Saudi club.
Spanish outlet La Nueva Espana have claimed that the skilful winger was offered a five-year contract worth £2million per year from the unknown club.
That equates to around £38,500 per week, but it isn’t enough to convince Hassan to make the move
The outlet further suggests that the 24 year old isn’t interested in a move to the Gulf State, and will only consider a move to another European club, leaving the door open ever so wider for Celtic to make their move before transfer window slams shut in a few weeks time.
As well as Haissem Hassan, Celtic have been linked with Algerian international winger Fares Ghedjemis, who helped Italian side Frosinone reach Serie A last season, scoring 15 goals and registering three assists.
Celtic were linked with the player back in January, but a move failed to materialise, but reports have suggested the club face a two way fight to sign the Nigerian, with Glasgow rivals the Rangers also said to interested in signing the 23 year old.
Hassan is reportedly available for £10 million, although it’s believed that a deal could be struck for around £8 million, but as usual, Celtic have been guilty of dragging their heels in bringing a deal to fruition.
If true, Hassan snubbing a deal in Saudi Arabia could a massive boost in the club’s quest to sign the player, IF Celtic’s intentions are serious.
So far Celtic has signed just TWO players, Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh with an incredible number heading for the exit doors over the summer, the latest being Paulo Bernardo who left for a season long loan to Poland while both Arne Engels and Alistair Johnston look set for moves to England.
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Martin O’Neill’s comments in a pre-match interview on Sky Sports, saying that he would definitely being doing one season only as Celtic boss, therefore ruling out the option of a second year, has intensified speculation that he is unhappy at the way the summer transfer business has been handled.
He is not the first Celtic manager to come to the conclusion that the Celtic Board do not have the necessary ambition to take the club forward.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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