Celtic close on Haissem Hassan as LASK tie looms
Paulo Bernardo said former Celtic team-mate Luis Palma helped convince him to join Gornik Zabrze on loan, after speaking highly of the club and Polish football.
LASK keeper Lukas Jungwirth admitted his side were vulnerable to counter-attacks and not clinical in a 2-0 win over Austria Wien, a flaw Celtic could target at Parkhead.
Celtic are closing in on another forward signing before the window shuts.
Everton still want Alistair Johnston despite exploring other right-back options. Celtic’s defender remains high on David Moyes’ list, but a bid above £12m may be needed.
Shaun Maloney insisted Yang remains a ‘really big player’ for Celtic despite Haissem Hassan nearing a move, praising the winger’s workrate, trust and role in big games.
Celtic fans can enjoy Rangers’ stumble, but the bigger issue is recruitment before the LASK tie. The board are urged to match domestic strength with greater European ambition.
Mika Baur’s Celtic move appears to have accelerated, with the midfielder reportedly excused from training as talks over a transfer and medical gather pace.
Celtic are urged to use the Haissem Hassan add-on formula to break the deadlock for Mika Baur, with Paderborn holding out for around £4.3m-£4.5m.
Celtic face stronger competition for Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis, with RB Salzburg pushing for the Lithuania international, valued at a minimum of €8m.
Haissem Hassan is set to join Celtic on a 4-year deal after his medical. The fee is about £6m plus £3m in add-ons, with hopes of registering him for the LASK play-off.
Shaun Maloney said Celtic want a right-sided winger to replace Nicolas Kuhn’s profile, but would not confirm how close a deal for Haissem Hassan is.
Ex-Celts Darren O’Dea and Armstrong Oko-Flex progressed in Champions League qualifying, while Celtic await LASK in next week’s play-off first leg in Glasgow.
UEFA’s new Clear Line guide gives Celtic fans a public benchmark for handball, penalties and VAR calls, offering clearer scrutiny of future controversial decisions.
Rangers turmoil is framed through a Hotline exchange, with Celtic supporters left poised to enjoy the fallout from a bruising week for their rivals.
West Ham are set to return with £25m plus bonuses for Arne Engels, potentially £30m. Celtic, who rejected £25m before, face a major call before the LASK tie.
If Celtic beat LASK and reach the Champions League phase, they could earn €38.6m from UEFA - far beyond Rangers’ €14m and Hearts’ €6.8m projections.
Nick Pope is seen as an ideal loan option to challenge Viljami Sinisalo, but cost and package make a Celtic move unlikely as they seek a goalkeeper before Thursday.
Celtic are delaying any Arne Engels sale to West Ham until after the LASK qualifiers, while holding out for £25m.
