Celtic’s pursuit of Hassan has rumbled on for weeks, with conflicting reports emerging over the Egyptian international’s potential move to Glasgow.
Martin O’Neill needs to bolster his attacking options and it’s clear that there is real interest from Celtic in Hassan.
But Calero has already made one thing clear about how he wants to build his squad.
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Calero’s comments are worth revisiting as Oviedo attempt to rebuild their squad with the manager’s desire to give young players a route into his team.
Calero said, “I don’t like large squads because of the problems they create. Oviedo is a club that relies on its youth academy, and young players need to be given a chance when the first-team players aren’t playing.
“But that’s a decision for the club and the sporting director.”
Those comments were made at Calero’s unveiling in June, but they now look even more interesting as Hassan’s future remains one of the biggest questions facing Oviedo this summer.
The Spanish club could return to the market for another winger if Hassan or Ilyas Chaira leaves before the transfer window closes.
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Calero did address Hassan’s situation during his unveiling, admitting that Oviedo may not be able to retain all of their best players.
“The good players must be retained, but that isn’t always possible,” Calero said as he discussed Hassan, Aarón Escandell, Ilyas Chaira and Alberto Reina.
Oviedo haven’t put Hassan on the transfer list, but the club are reportedly willing to listen to offers for the Egypt international.
Calero currently counts on the winger, although he admitted financial restrictions could leave the club with difficult decisions.
Oviedo have already brought in Pablo Sáenz and Jacobo González, giving Calero two options on each wing while Hassan’s future remains unclear.
Celtic still need to meet Oviedo’s demands, but Calero’s words suggest Hassan is no longer untouchable at Oviedo.
Now it is up to Celtic to prove they want Hassan as much as Martin O’Neill appears to.
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