Who is Nils-Ole Book, Borussia Dortmund's new sporting director? | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund have appointed Nils-Ole Book as sporting director on Monday, one day after parting with Sebastian Kehl. The 40-year-old arrives from Elversberg and has signed a contract until 2029.

According to BuLi News, BVB sporting managing director Lars Ricken viewed Book as the preferred choice and a strong professional and personal fit.

Born in Beckum, about an hour from Dortmund, Book was a midfielder for Rot Weiss Ahlen, MSV Duisburg and SV Wehen Wiesbaden. He earned six Germany youth caps.

After retiring in summer 2017, he joined Elversberg as a scout, becoming sporting director a year later. He helped oversee their rise from the Regionalliga to the 2. Bundesliga with two promotions, and in 2023 he moved onto the sporting board with greater responsibility.

Last season Elversberg narrowly missed another leap, losing to 1. FC Heidenheim in the Bundesliga relegation play-off.

During his tenure he developed a reputation for talent identification, recruiting Nick Woltemade, Fisnik Asllani, Younes Ebnoutalib, Robin Fellhauer and Paul Wanner, players who have since established themselves at a higher level.

After that play-off defeat he received offers but chose to stay, while coach Horst Steffen left for Werder Bremen. Borussia Mönchengladbach also approached him in October as they sought a successor to Roland Virkus, yet he remained and extended his deal.

Dortmund then made their approach, a challenge he accepted. A demanding task now awaits at one of Germany's biggest clubs.

Source: BuLi News