Tottenham Hotspur’s plans behind the scenes have suffered a setback after fresh developments emerged regarding the club’s pursuit of sporting director Sebastian Kehl ahead of the summer rebuild.
Tottenham Hotspur have been conducting their transfer business over the last few weeks, with Johan Lange operating as sporting director.
However, reports over the last few months, following Fabio Paratici’s departure to Fiorentina in February, suggested Spurs had been working on bringing another sporting director through the door.
The Lilywhites were understood to be keen on continuing with their two-director model and had earmarked a few names as ideal candidates.
Spurs Web even reported that Tottenham’s long shortlist had been narrowed down to one man – Sebastian Kehl – who was expected to take the role should Spurs avoid relegation.
Tottenham sporting director talks with Sebastian Kehl collapse
German journalist Florian Plettenberg has now revealed the latest regarding Spurs and their pursuit of Sebastian Kehl.
It is understood that Kehl will not be joining Tottenham Hotspur, with the decision having been made by the former Borussia Dortmund sporting director.
Plettenberg explained that while there were concrete talks, no consensus was reached over the club’s future strategic direction despite Kehl being Tottenham’s leading candidate for the newly created director role. As a result, the deal has now collapsed.
In a post on X, Plettenberg wrote: “Sebastian Kehl will not join Tottenham Hotspur. The decision has now been made by Kehl.
“There were concrete talks, but no consensus was reached on the club’s future strategic direction. As revealed on 22 April, Kehl was Tottenham’s leading candidate for a newly created director role.
“Discussions have been ongoing ever since. Kehl was expected to help shape the squad and work closely with the first team alongside Johan Lange.”
Spurs sporting structure questions remain after Kehl setback
Further reports have now revealed what allegedly caused the deal to fall through. According to Sky reporter Patrick Berger, Kehl reportedly viewed head coach Roberto De Zerbi being given greater influence within the sporting structure as a deal breaker.
De Zerbi, as we know, has been vocal in press conferences regarding the makeup of his squad and the players he wants to keep at Spurs.
Following the end of the season, the Italian made it clear that only 10-12 players were good enough to form the spine of his squad.
He has also publicly named players he wants Spurs to retain as they embark on a rebuild this summer, highlighting the level of influence he currently holds.
Tottenham’s continued pursuit of Jan Paul van Hecke, who was even labelled De Zerbi’s “son”, further underlines the work being done to provide the Italian with the players he wants.
The lack of a second sporting director has not prevented the club from pursuing transfer targets, although Spurs will now have to return to the drawing board in their search for another appointment.