Hamburg – Hamburger SV is reportedly poised to appoint Kathleen Krüger, currently Head of Organisation and Infrastructure at FC Bayern Munich, as their new sporting director. The move, first reported by SPORT BILD and the Hamburger Abendblatt on April 29, 2026, comes as the club seeks a replacement for Stefan Kuntz, whose departure at the end of 2025 was previously announced.
Krüger, 40, has spent 22 years with Bayern Munich, rising through the ranks after a playing career with the club from 2004 to 2009. She transitioned into administrative roles, serving as an assistant to sporting director Christian Nerlinger in 2010, and then spent twelve years as the first-team team manager – a role that saw her work closely with high-profile managers like Pep Guardiola.
In 2024, Krüger was promoted to Head of Organisation and Infrastructure, a permanent position within the Bavarian club’s structure. Now, she appears to be the leading candidate to take the reins as sporting director at HSV, a club steeped in German football history currently seeking a fresh direction.
The search for Kuntz’s successor has been ongoing for several months, with HSV commissioning a headhunting agency to identify potential candidates. According to Sport Bild, Krüger emerged as a strong contender after an extensive review of the club’s requirements. The report indicates she “performed very well” during the selection process, advancing to the final shortlist.
Although Krüger is considered the frontrunner, other names were reportedly considered during the four-month search. Former Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl, 46, and current HSV sporting director Claus Costa, 41, were also reportedly evaluated for the position. Kehl has also been linked with a potential role at Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports.
The potential appointment of Krüger would mark a significant moment for German football. Should she accept the position, she would become the first woman to hold the role of sporting director in the Bundesliga. This would represent a notable step forward for gender equality within the sport’s administrative ranks.
HSV’s decision to pursue Krüger reflects a desire for a candidate with a proven track record within a successful football organization. Bayern Munich’s consistent success both domestically and in European competitions – they are currently competing in the Champions League semi-finals – suggests Krüger has been part of a winning environment. Bringing that experience to Hamburg could be seen as crucial for a club aiming to return to the upper echelons of German football.
The role of sporting director is pivotal for any football club, encompassing responsibilities such as player recruitment, contract negotiations, and overall squad planning. For HSV, a club with a large and passionate fanbase, the stakes are particularly high. The club has faced periods of instability in recent years, and a successful sporting director is seen as essential for building a sustainable and competitive team.
The Hamburger Abendblatt reports that Krüger’s introduction as the new sporting director is imminent. While no official announcement has been made as of April 29, 2026, the expectation is that a confirmation will follow shortly. Fans will be eager to learn more about Krüger’s vision for the club and her plans for the upcoming transfer windows.
The next key date for Hamburger SV is their final match of the 2025-2026 Bundesliga season on May 18th against VfL Wolfsburg. While the sporting director appointment won’t immediately impact on-field performance, it signals a clear intent to build for the future. The club will then turn its attention to the summer transfer window, where Krüger, if appointed, will likely play a central role in shaping the squad for the 2026-2027 campaign.
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on this developing story and comprehensive coverage of the Bundesliga.
