Overview
- Kehl informed Tottenham on Wednesday that he would not join after several rounds of talks in London failed to produce a formal offer.
- The discussions were about a co-sporting director role rather than a single head of football, and the remit was never clearly agreed.
- Reports identify De Zerbi’s expanded role in scouting and player acquisitions as the decisive sticking point for Kehl.
- Tottenham remains without a new sporting director after Fabio Paratici left in February 2026, leaving the club’s football operations in a leadership void.
- Kehl, who resigned from Borussia Dortmund in March 2026, has said he is uncertain about an immediate return to football, and the failed talks underline how unclear authority at Spurs could deter other senior candidates.