Celtic could now be priced out of signing their primary winger target this summer. The Bhoys are hoping to add strength and depth to their wing positions after losing plenty of attacking talent in Daizen Maeda this summer, while Reo Hatate is also expected to leave.
Replacing those players, and indeed midfielder Arne Engels, is most likely to be done by committee this summer, with Celtic unlikely to be able to buy ready-made replacements based on how much money they are usually willing to spend.
Haissem Hassan could cost too much for Celtic
Celtic have been eyeing Real Oviedo and Egypt World Cup star Haissen Hassan for much of the summer, and they are said to have made a significant first offer, but it was rejected by Oviedo.
The Asturias club were relegated after one season in LaLiga, but that doesn't mean they are willing to sell on the cheap this summer.
Hassan was originally valued at around €7million, and it's believed that is the range Celtic were thinking for the winger. But according to Spanish journalist Juan Velazquez, French club Lens are now pushing for a deal, and they are said to have had a €7.5million offer rejected by Oviedo.
What's most concerning for Celtic is that, according to the report, Oviedo are said to be demanding the full value of Hassan's €12million release clause to sell this summer, no doubt buoyed by the winger's superb World Cup performances. It's also added that Celtic have not made a second offer at this stage.
Celtic are already paying £11million plus add-ons to sign Kasper Hogh, so another £10.26million to sign Hassan this summer would be a very bold statement, with Hogh already the club's third most expensive signing of all time.
This summer is different. Celtic have welcomed £10million for Maeda, albeit only £8million upfront, while Engels is expected to bring in £25million, and Hatate will likely bring in more than £5million.
Celtic will have money to spend, but they also have other areas to address, with a new goalkeeper needed, while there is more depth needed at left-back, centre-back and in midfield.
The club has struggled to do deals this summer, so it remains to be seen whether they can actually address all of those areas this summer, and it is likely they will have to spend more than they anticipated to do so.
But the Hassan deal is certainly going to cost more than they hoped, and Oviedo seem to be very willing to play hardball, also aware they will have to hand over some of the cash to Villarreal, who hold a sell-on clause.
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