Ross Desmond reportedly takes on major behind-the-scenes role in Celtic transfers.

Ross Desmond has reportedly taken on a significantly more influential role in Celtic’s transfer operations despite having no official position within the club.

The son of Celtic principal shareholder Dermot Desmond does not currently hold an executive position, directorship or formal place on the club’s board. However, according to journalist Michael Gannon, his influence behind the scenes has grown considerably in recent months, with his involvement reportedly extending into the club’s recruitment and transfer activity.

Ross Desmond has generally kept a low profile when it comes to Celtic and has rarely made public comments about the club. One of his most prominent interventions came at last year’s annual general meeting, where he became involved in a heated exchange with supporters during an increasingly tense period between the Celtic board and sections of the fanbase.

Ross Desmond at the 2025 Celtic AGM. Photo social media

During that confrontation, Desmond strongly criticised some supporters, describing sections of the Celtic support as “bullies” and claiming that they had “no vocation in life other than to be anti-establishment.” His comments attracted considerable attention at the time, particularly because of the ongoing disagreement between supporters and the club’s hierarchy.

Since then, however, it appears that his involvement with Celtic may have moved beyond public comments and into a much more active role within the club’s football operations.

Gannon has claimed that the 44-year-old has become increasingly involved in the club’s transfer business during the last six months. The journalist’s comments suggest that Ross Desmond may now be playing a significant part in discussions surrounding recruitment, despite not having a formal position that would normally give him responsibility for such decisions.

The revelation comes amid continued speculation over the future ownership structure at Celtic and questions surrounding whether Dermot Desmond could eventually decide to sell his substantial stake in the club.

There has been ongoing debate among supporters about what the future could look like if the club’s principal shareholder were to reduce or end his involvement. Any potential change in ownership would naturally raise questions about who could eventually take greater responsibility for Celtic’s strategic direction.

Against that background, Ross Desmond’s reported involvement becomes particularly interesting.

Speaking on the Record Celtic Podcast while discussing the possibility of Dermot Desmond eventually selling his stake in Celtic, Gannon suggested that a change may not necessarily mean the Desmond family would immediately disappear from the club’s decision-making process.

He pointed specifically to Ross Desmond’s increasing involvement in Celtic’s transfer dealings over recent months.

Gannon said: “Not when Ross Desmond has a much more hands-on role now. He’s been heavily involved in transfers for the last six months, I’ve been told.”

The claim, if accurate, could provide an important insight into the way Celtic’s recruitment operation is currently functioning behind the scenes.

Transfer recruitment is one of the most important areas of any modern football club. Decisions over which players should be signed can have a major impact on a team’s performances, finances and long-term direction. For that reason, the reported involvement of someone who does not officially hold an executive or board position is likely to generate plenty of discussion among Celtic supporters.

It also raises questions about how much influence Ross Desmond has over footballing decisions and exactly what his involvement in the transfer process entails.

There is currently no suggestion from the information provided that Ross Desmond has formally been appointed to a position at Celtic. Instead, the report centres on his alleged behind-the-scenes involvement and growing influence during the recent transfer period.

For supporters already concerned about transparency and the relationship between the Celtic hierarchy and the fanbase, the development could prove controversial.

The issue is especially significant because Ross Desmond has previously been outspoken during disputes involving supporters. His comments at last year’s AGM demonstrated that he was willing to defend the club’s leadership and challenge critics directly.

His reported involvement in transfers would represent a different type of influence, however. Rather than simply expressing an opinion about the club, he would potentially be participating in one of the most important areas of Celtic’s sporting strategy.

It remains unclear how extensive his role is, which specific transfers he has been involved in, or how closely he works with Celtic’s existing football department.

Nevertheless, Gannon’s claim has added another layer to the debate surrounding the Desmond family’s influence at Celtic.

With speculation continuing about Dermot Desmond’s long-term intentions and the future ownership of the club, Ross Desmond’s reported increased involvement could become an important storyline.

If his influence in recruitment continues to grow, supporters may want greater clarity over his responsibilities and whether his role could eventually become more formal.

For now, the key claim is that Ross Desmond, despite having no official executive, directorial or board position, has reportedly become heavily involved in Celtic’s transfer activity over the past six months.

That development could lead to further questions about who is really shaping Celtic’s recruitment strategy and how much influence the Desmond family continues to have over the club’s footballing decisions.