Dermot Desmond has never been every Celtic fan’s cup of tea.
But events this season have put his name under more scrutiny than ever. His scathing attack on Brendan Rodgers made it clear that his relationship with the departed boss had broken down.
Next up after his pop at Rodgers was his son Ross having a pop at Celtic supporters at an extraordinary AGM. Those are quite the two fights to pick.
Desmond isn’t the owner of Celtic, merely the principal shareholder, owning a 34% stake in the club. Despite this, he wields all the control on decision-making.
He has never even hinted at giving up his power when discussing it publicly, but Alan Brazil has heard whispers that this might not be the full story.
Alan Brazil says that Dermot Desmond will sell Celtic at the right place
Desmond took over as majority shareholder from Fergus McCann in 1999, and has been the main man upstairs ever since.
In recent times, he has come under scrutiny for hoarding cash and holding the club back in Europe, despite domestic dominance.
READ MORE: David Moyes names Celtic legend as the best player he played with in brilliant shoutout
And perhaps, the ongoing tensions could be forcing him to change his mind – Brazil has said as much on talkSPORT.
He said: “I think, from what I gather, you don’t know what goes on at football clubs…
“But I think, that Dermot Desmond – who’s been brilliant for Celtic – I think if the right price comes, he’s gone.
“Because Dermot’s getting older now, he’s got loads of money, heaps of money. He’s the one who coaxed Martin to coming back.
“I don’t think it took a lot of coaxing, because he loves it there. But I think he’s the one who said, ‘Martin, we need you, please.’
“And if he’s thinking of going, then that’s it. Martin will go. He’s got to do something, Martin. He’s a clever guy.”
Desmond’s son described some Celtic fans as ‘bullies’ whose ‘only vocation in life is to be anti-establishment’ at the AGM. The strength of his language was pretty stunning.
Many expect Ross to take over from his father at some point, given Dermot’s age. But from what Brazil has heard, this may not be the case.
Who could buy Celtic from Dermot Desmond?
Given Celtic’s financial health, the club would not be short on interested parties if they were to open themselves up to potential suitors.
There is a huge wave of American ownership currently underway in British football – just look across the city. This would be the most likely option.
A fan ownership model would be more appealing to some Hoops fans, but this has become increasingly uncommon among clubs of Celtic’s size.
Supporters would be less happy to see the Celts enter into a multi-club model, or accept ownership links to a nation-state. Given the traditions of the club, these scenarios are both probably non-starters.
Do you think Dermot Desmond would really consider selling his Celtic shares?
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
