Borussia Dortmund and sporting director Sebastian Kehl have agreed to terminate his contract, which was set to run until 2027, according to Sky Germany. The departure is being framed as a mutually agreeable solution, aiming to avoid any future legal disputes between the club and the executive. Dortmund’s primary concern in the separation revolves around Kehl’s remaining salary obligations, estimated to be around €2 million.
BILD reports that Kehl is expected to receive a severance package worth approximately €1.5 million as part of the agreement. The 46-year-old will be afforded a farewell appearance in front of the Dortmund supporters during their Bundesliga match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday evening. This public acknowledgement underscores the club’s desire to maintain a positive relationship with Kehl following his exit.
Kehl took on the role of sporting director at Dortmund in 2022, succeeding Michael Zorc after a long playing career with the club. As a player, Kehl was a mainstay in the Dortmund midfield for 13 years, captaining the side and winning the Bundesliga title in 2011. His transition into the boardroom saw him oversee periods of both success and challenge, including navigating a turbulent managerial search following the dismissal of Marco Rose and the subsequent appointment of Edin Terzić.
Speculation is mounting that Kehl is a leading candidate for the vacant Sporting Director position at Tottenham Hotspur. The Premier League club have been searching for a replacement since Fabio Paratici’s departure last year, and Kehl’s experience in European football, coupled with his reputation for identifying and developing talent, makes him an attractive option. Should he take the role at Tottenham, he would be tasked with rebuilding the squad and establishing a clear footballing philosophy under new manager Ange Postecoglou. This move could signify a shift in Tottenham’s transfer strategy towards a more data-driven and long-term approach.
His departure from Dortmund leaves a void in the club’s leadership structure, and the search for a successor is expected to begin immediately. Dortmund will need to find a sporting director who can continue the club’s tradition of developing young players and competing at the highest level of European football.
