Egypt-eligible Haissem Hassan made his La Liga debut in Villarreal’s heavy 4-2 away defeat to RCD Mallorca on Saturday evening.
Born in France to an Egyptian father and a Tunisian mother, Hassan came through the youth ranks of Paris FC and LB Châteauroux, before impressing and getting promoted to the first team at just 17.
After just 19 appearances with Châteauroux, Hassan attracted interest from several European sides, including Fiorentina, Brentford, and Lille, but he instead chose to join LaLiga giants Villareal for a reported fee of €2m.
The 21-year-old was limited to playing time with the B team in the third and second tiers, before he was sent out on loan to LaLiga2 outfit CD Mirandés last season.
Upon his return this season, Hassan continued playing for the B team, making a total of 24 appearances in LaLiga2, before finally making the Villarreal squad for the first time as the club travelled to face RCD Mallorca.
With Mallorca 4-2 up against ten-men Villarreal, Quique Setién brought on Hassan in the 67th minute for Yéremy Pino; however, the half-Egyptian couldn’t change the final scoreline of the game, which finished in the same result.
The defeat brought Villarreal down to ninth on the La Liga table, but for sure has been hugely beneficial for Hassan’s overall development.
Hassan represented France’s U-17 and U-18 sides and even made their 2019 U-17 World Cup squad, with former Egypt manager Carlos Queiroz contacting the player over a potential call-up last year.
