Borussia Dortmund have extended the contract of Sebastian Kehl, the club’s sporting director, until 2027.
Kehl, 44, has been in the role since 2022 but was out of contract this summer. The uncertainty around his future had become an increasing distraction for the club, with negotiations lasting several weeks.
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It has been a confusing political era for Dortmund. Former general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke will leave in the summer of 2025. In May 2024, Lars Ricken, the club’s former academy director, inherited some of Watzke’s responsibilities, within a newly created sporting director position.
At the time, Kehl was a candidate for that job, too, and his future has been in doubt ever since. The return of former chief scout Sven Mislintat — with whom Kehl has a strained relationship — as technical director, further complicated his role.
In an interview with Sky Deutschland in 2024, he admitted to being a “little disappointed” at not receiving the promotion, but insisted that he was “happy” for Ricken and that the two “enjoyed a long-term, trusting relationship”.
Publicly, the club has maintained that an extension for Kehl, who captained Borussia Dortmund as a player and made more than 350 appearances, is a priority. Ricken was under pressure at the club’s AGM in November.
However, a formal agreement remains, speculation over his future continues, and at a time when, on the pitch, Dortmund are going through a difficult season under new coach Nuri Sahin, appointed this summer.
After 15 games and before the Bundesliga’s restart, Sahin’s side sit a disappointing sixth, 11 points behind leaders Bayern Munich and outside the Champions League qualification places.
This meant that the transition on the floor was reflected in the executive spot above Sahin. The hope at Dortmund will be that, with Kehl now under contract for another 3 years and the club’s recruitment leadership secured, everything will start to look more permanent .
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“I am incredibly committed to Borussia Dortmund and I am very happy to be able to continue racing for this wonderful club,” Kehl said when confirming his contract extension.
“I feel it is true that our control puts me as sporting director and I would like to especially thank Lars for the intelligent and constructive discussions in recent weeks. “
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Ricken added: “Sebastian and I have known and trusted each other for many years. In recent weeks we have had intensive discussions about content, structures and economic issues and have now brought these to a positive conclusion.
“Our main goal is clear: in the coming years we must be frequently represented in the Champions League and play a mandatory role in the Bundesliga. To achieve these purposes, we will continue to join forces. As sporting director, Sebastian has my full help in this regard.
(Top photo: Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)