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Sebastian Kehl, the man who spent years trying to steer Borussia Dortmund back to the top of German football, has decided that Tottenham Hotspur is not his next chapter. After discussions in April 2026 about a co-sporting director position in North London, the two sides couldn’t agree on what the future should look like.
What happened between Kehl and Tottenham
Kehl resigned from his position as Borussia Dortmund’s sporting director on March 22, 2026. The departure came after a season without silverware at Signal Iduna Park.
Within weeks, Tottenham came calling. The club held discussions with Kehl regarding a co-sporting director role, and early indications suggested he was the leading candidate. But the conversations never progressed to a formal offer. Kehl ultimately opted against joining Tottenham, citing disagreements over the club’s strategic direction.
Speculation had indicated that Kehl’s willingness to join would hinge on Tottenham securing their place in the Premier League for the 2026-2027 season.
Kehl has since expressed uncertainty about an immediate return to football.
Tottenham’s ongoing leadership vacuum
Tottenham’s search for a sporting director follows Fabio Paratici’s departure in February 2026 amid allegations of transfer irregularities. The Kehl talks represented what appeared to be a serious attempt to fill that gap. The co-sporting director model itself was notable, suggesting Tottenham was looking at a shared-responsibility structure rather than handing the keys to one person.
Tottenham did win the Europa League in 2025, which provided a genuine high point. But the club has been in a phase of transition and instability since.
What this means for both parties
For Kehl, his tenure at Dortmund included significant moments of progress. He oversaw the squad that reached the Champions League final in 2024.
For Tottenham, the failed Kehl pursuit continues a pattern in which no formal offer was extended to its leading candidate for the co-sporting director role. The club continues to navigate its leadership void on the football operations side.
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