Sven Mislintat is set to depart Fortuna Düsseldorf following the club’s relegation to the 3. Liga, bringing an end to his six-month tenure as managing director for sport. The news comes after a disappointing season for Düsseldorf, who failed to maintain their status in the 2. Bundesliga. Sky Germany, Bild, and Kicker all report that an agreement has been reached for Mislintat’s departure.
Appointed in December, Sven Mislintat arrived at Düsseldorf with a clear mandate: to overhaul the club’s transfer strategy and steer them clear of relegation. Despite his efforts, the team ultimately finished in the relegation zone, triggering a review of the sporting leadership. Mislintat had previously built a reputation as a highly-regarded scout and transfer specialist during his time at Borussia Dortmund, where he identified and recruited a number of successful players.
Prior to joining Düsseldorf, Mislintat had a brief and controversial spell at Arsenal as head of recruitment, leaving the club in February 2019. His departure from Arsenal followed disagreements over the club’s transfer policy. He then returned to Germany, taking up a role at VfB Stuttgart before eventually moving to Fortuna Düsseldorf. During his time at Stuttgart, he was credited with identifying several promising young talents.
Fortuna Düsseldorf are now turning to Samir Arabi, the former sporting director of Arminia Bielefeld, to replace Mislintat. Arabi brings with him experience in navigating challenging situations and building competitive squads in the 2. Bundesliga. The club will hope that Arabi can quickly implement a plan to secure promotion back to the second tier. This managerial change signals a significant shift in direction for Düsseldorf as they prepare for life in the 3. Liga, and represents a fresh start for the club.
This move concludes a short and ultimately unsuccessful chapter for Mislintat at Düsseldorf, and leaves the club searching for stability as they attempt to rebuild following their relegation.
