Former Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl is a candidate to become AC Milan’s new sporting director, according to reports in Italy. Gazzetta dello Sport named the 43-year-old as one of several individuals under consideration for the vacant position at the Serie A club.
Kehl departed Borussia Dortmund in March, bringing an end to his tenure overseeing the club’s football operations. During his time in the role, Dortmund consistently competed at the top of the Bundesliga, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals in the 2023-24 season. He had initially taken over the position in 2022, following the departure of Michael Zorc.
AC Milan are currently seeking a replacement for Paolo Maldini, who left his position as technical director last year. The Rossoneri finished fourth in Serie A last season, securing Champions League qualification, but are reportedly aiming to strengthen their squad and footballing structure ahead of the new campaign. The club recently appointed Paulo Fonseca as their new head coach.
Alongside Kehl, other names linked with the role include Flamengo’s technical director José Boto, Devin Özek, formerly of Fenerbahçe, and Jason Ayto, who recently left Brighton & Hove Albion. Eintracht Frankfurt’s board member for sport, Markus Krösche, was also previously mentioned as a potential candidate, but has since committed his future to the Bundesliga side.
Kehl’s experience in building competitive squads and navigating European football makes him an attractive option for AC Milan, who are hoping to re-establish themselves as a major force in both Serie A and the Champions League. The appointment of a new sporting director is seen as crucial to achieving those ambitions. The club has not yet indicated a timeline for making a final decision.
