Nottingham Forest fans will be excited to see new striker Arnaud Kalimuendo in action, but they have Edu to thank for a key role in the negotiations.
Forest completed a deal for Kalimuendo worth a reported £26m, concluding what was a remarkable week of transfer business that also saw James McAtee and Omari Hutchinson arrive at the City Ground.
Just as they did with Hutchinson, Forest beat Brentford to the signing of Kalimuendo as the Reds’ transfer window picked up momentum, highlighting the value that securing European football has when competing with Premier League rivals.
However, it seems that the Europa League wasn’t the biggest factor in the Frenchman choosing Forest, with new Global Head of Football Edu playing a crucial role.
Arnaud Kalimuendo featuring for France at the 2023 U21 Euros.
Photo by Flaviu Buboi/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Arnaud Kalimuendo talks Edu’s role in Nottingham Forest move
Edu officially arrived at Forest in July after speculation over his involvement at the club dated back to the 24/25 season.
It looks as if recruitment has been his main focus at the City Ground so far in a role that spans across Evangelos Marinakis’ footballing portfolio, with Kalimuendo’s first interview with the club hinting at Edu’s role in the transfer business.
Kalimuendo said: “When my agent told me about their interest in me, I told him I was very interested and that I didn’t need much convincing, because I was very confident as a result of everything that has happened around the club and how they were going to build on that.
MORE FOREST STORIES
“Then, we spoke with the recruitment team, including Edu, and I was immediately sold. […] To be honest, I didn’t hesitate for a single second when this contact came about.”
Clearly, then, part of Edu’s role at Forest involves selling the project of the club to potential incomings, with the long-term vision of the Reds to become consistent European contenders a clear attraction for those like Kalimuendo who are looking to take a step into the Premier League.
Alongside talent, a crucial part of the recruitment process for Edu and his team is to find the right characters, which they seem to have managed with Kalimuendo.
Arnaud Kalimuendo has the character to succeed at Forest
After Chris Wood’s opening day double against Brentford, it’s perhaps not the best time for a striker to be arriving at Forest if they want immediate starts.
With Kalimuendo, though, it seems that the Reds have found a forward who is equally humble as well as talented.
He continued: “I can sense the positive atmosphere around the club so I’m looking forward to discovering it for myself as soon as possible.
The start of a new story.
I'm very proud to be joining Nottingham Forest.
Thank you for your welcome, I can't wait to discover the packed City Ground! pic.twitter.com/5Q6cKPyKEv
— Arnaud Kalimuendo (@a_kalimuendo) August 18, 2025
View Tweet
Now, I might have to be patient as it might not be happening quite yet, but I know when the day comes, I will be motivated and will strive to put in a top performance.
His patience will be important in the early weeks, but given Forest’s upcoming European journey, Kalimuendo will have plenty of chances to shine this season.