Nottingham Forest negotiated what looked like strong protection when they loaned Arnaud Kalimuendo to Eintracht Frankfurt in January. Just weeks later, that protection already appears under quiet pressure.
According to BILD Frankfurt, the Bundesliga side secured a purchase option worth around £23.2m (€27m) for the 24-year-old forward. It was a significant clause, structured by sporting director Markus Krösche during the winter window.
At the time, the figure gave Nottingham Forest clarity. If Frankfurt were satisfied, they could trigger the option. If not, the player would return. Simple. However, the situation now looks less straightforward.
Kalimuendo has made an immediate impact in Germany. He has scored three goals in his first eight Bundesliga appearances and added an assist. He also found the net in the recent 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich. Internally, both the board and head coach Albert Riera are said to be very pleased with his performances.
Personal terms are not an obstacle. A contract until 2031 has reportedly been agreed in principle, worth around £2.6m per year (€3m) in basic salary. From a sporting and contractual perspective, the groundwork is in place.
Option agreed – decision delayed
Despite that, BILD report that Frankfurt do not intend to make a final decision until May. The delay has been agreed with the player and his representatives, with all parties focusing on football for now.
Financial context is key. If Frankfurt fail to qualify for European competition, committing over £23m on one player would become far more difficult. That uncertainty shifts attention back to the fee itself.
Crucially, Krösche has a reputation as a hard negotiator. The report suggests that even if Frankfurt reach Europe, they could still look to reopen discussions over the price. If Forest were to be relegated, that leverage would only increase.
What this means for Nottingham Forest
From Nottingham Forest’s side, the £23.2m clause was meant to remove ambiguity. Options exist to avoid precisely this type of scenario – strong performances leading to fresh bargaining.
Now, instead of the clause being a fixed outcome, it may become the starting point for another round of talks. Frankfurt clearly want to keep Kalimuendo. The player wants to stay. Yet the agreed figure is no longer presented as inevitable.
Nottingham Forest negotiated in good faith in January. The coming months will show whether that agreement holds firm – or whether Frankfurt’s rapid desire to revisit the numbers turns a straightforward option into a summer negotiation.
There’s also a belief in Frankfurt that Forest being relegated could help secure a smaller fee.