Roberto De Zerbi shuts down Sebastian Kehl’s Tottenham move as hunt for sporting director continues | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur have called off the appointment of Sebastian Kehl as the club’s new sporting director at the behest of manager Roberto De Zerbi, The Telegraph reports.

De Zerbi is only a few months into his managerial role, but he is already playing a major role in shaping the club’s wider football structure, including the search for a new sporting director.

Tottenham had been strongly linked with the former Borussia Dortmund executive after his departure from the German club in March. However, a move to North London now looks increasingly unlikely.

It’s not exactly clear why Tottenham are pulling the plug, but sources connected to both parties point to De Zerbi’s influence as a key factor behind the situation.

People close to the Tottenham manager suggest he had reservations about Kehl becoming the club’s new sporting director.

On the other hand, sources linked to Kehl claim the German was concerned by the amount of authority De Zerbi has been given at Spurs and questioned how much freedom he would have in the role.

While there are different accounts of what happened, De Zerbi is the common denominator, with reports claiming he’s one of the most influential figures at Tottenham.

The club made a significant commitment when they appointed De Zerbi in March, getting him to sign a five-year deal that made him one of the highest-paid managers in the Premier League.

He received a substantial bonus for steering Spurs away from relegation and has also been handed considerable influence over football matters involving the first team.

De Zerbi’s authority means any sporting director coming in must be ready to pander to the demands of the Italian manager.

There are several names on the club’s shortlist, including Chelsea’s Paul Winstanley, although he’s expected to remain at Stamford Bridge.

Former Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman, who is currently working in Saudi Arabia, has also been linked with a move to Tottenham.