HAISSEM HASSAN, CAMILO DURAN, CELTIC TRANSFER LATEST
- BY LIAM CARRIGAN
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
As usual, it’s been a slow start for Celtic in the transfer window this summer.
However, in the past couple of days, two names have emerged which seem to have real credibility and also, I think, would make decent additions to Celtic’s squad.
We still don’t know who exactly will leave, but a number of departures from Parkhead this summer seem inevitable now.
However, by getting deals done for Haissem Hassan, Camilo Duran Celtic would buy themselves a bit of breathing space, at least, while other deals are worked out.
Haissem Hassan, Camilo Duran Celtic Moves Possible But Not Done Deals Yet
Of these two links, the one in the more advanced stages in terms of actually getting the player signed appears to be Qarabag’s Colombian striker Camilo Duran. The 24-year-old made headlines when he earned a man of the match award, and scored in Qarabag’s sensational 3-2 win over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League. Few gave the Azerbaijani champions much hope going into that game, but then again Celtic also learned the hard way last season, the danger of underestimating teams from the former Soviet Bloc.
Duran’s total stat for last season of 9 goals in 30 games may not exactly make for stimulating reading, but he has shown he can score goals in big games, when it matters, at the highest level.
Word is that Celtic had an initial 1.7-million-Euro bid rejected. Afterall, it wouldn’t be Celtic if we didn’t start with a lowball offer. However, thanks to the grace and patience of Qarabag, it seems a deal will soon be concluded for the 3 million that Qarabag originally asked for one of their star players.
Duran is also in keeping with Celtic’s recent signing policy of taking emerging talents and then selling them on for a big profit in a year or two. There’s no doubt that Duran could be another such player, and at 24, Celtic are getting a player who still has his best days very much ahead of him.
I’d expect this deal to be completed in a few days. It seems both clubs are happy, and the player is keen on the move. All that’s needed now is to iron out the finer details.
A more intriguing, though also, if I’m being honest, less likely option for Celtic is Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan. He made his World Cup debut juts a couple of days ago, coming off the bench as Egypt overcame Australia to reach the World Cup last 16.
Although an Egyptian international, Hassan actually spent his youth and most of his playing career to date in France. Born in Paris, to an Egyptian father and Tunisian mother, he was eligible to play for three different countries. He represented France at under 17 and under 18 levels, but declared for Egypt in March of this year. He has since earned 5 caps.
Despite his relatively high profile, this would not be an expensive move for Celtic. Hassan is about to enter the final year of his 3-year contract with Spanish 2nd division side Real Oviedo. So, the Spaniards will perhaps look to cash in this summer rather than risk losing the player for nothing in a year’s time.
Reports circulating in Spain this morning, though not yet confirmed, suggest Celtic have submitted a bid of around 4 million Euros for the player.
There are a couple of potential staggering blocks here though. Firstly, the way the player’s contract is structured in terms of ownership rights, sell-on clauses, etc. means that a 4 million deal would actually only see 2.4 million go to Real Oviedo. Other clubs are said to be interested in the player, but no one has, as of yet made a formal bid.
4 million may just turn out to be the opening offer, and if that’s the case then past precedent would suggest Celtic are unlikely to increase their offer. Whether you agree with the stance or not, our board have been pretty consistent when it comes to refusing to get drawn into bidding wars for players.
So, in summary, if the Duran deal is happening, I expect it to be concluded this week. Hassan’s case is a little more complicated and I think it’s unlikely we’ll get a firm decision from the player until after Egypt’s World Cup campaign is over.
Watch this space, I guess...