Nottingham Forest
Eintracht Frankfurt could be without Nottingham Forest‘s Arnaud Kalimuendo beyond this season.
Last season, the striker starred for Stade Rennais, managing 18 goals and four assists from 34 matches. This would have convinced Nottingham Forest to invest £26m [€29.8m] to bring him to the City Ground in August 2025.
However, the Frenchman failed to replicate his Stade Rennais form at Nottingham Forest as he didn’t score or assist from nine Premier League matches. He only scored two goals in the Europa League.
Due to his struggles and limited playing [392 minutes from 14 matches], the Reds let him join the Bundesliga side on loan in January. The move has helped him enjoy regular game time so far.
His Bundesliga stats are as follows:
Appearances: 13
Starts: 11
Total minutes: 939
Minutes per game: 72
Goals: 5
Assists: 1
Back in January, the 24-year-old was unsure whether the German club would activate the purchase option.
On February 24th, Sport Witness covered claims from Germany that Eintracht Frankfurt had negotiated personal terms with him. This is for a contract until 2031 worth €3m per year. It can only come into effect if they’re able to buy him.
Striker set for Nottingham Forest return
Bild now cover the latest on Eintracht Frankfurt’s chances of retaining Arnaud Kalimuendo after this season.
Taking his performances so far into account, it won’t be a surprise if his stay is extended. However, the €27m clause is a ‘major financial hurdle and threatens to be unaffordable’ for the German club.
They are seventh in the table, 10 points behind sixth placed Bayer Leverkusen, and at best, can qualify for the UEFA Conference League.
The lack of Champions League/Europa League will impact their finances. In addition to this, the Bundesliga side have to raise funds. These factors make the Nottingham Forest owned player’s permanent signing difficult.
In short, Kalimuendo’s future in Germany is ‘seriously in jeopardy’ and Eintracht Frankfurt risk losing him after this season.
They will make final decision at the end of the season, but indications are he won’t extend his stay.
What next for striker and Nottingham Forest
Arnaud Kalimuendo has to return to the Premier League side if Eintracht Frankfurt don’t exercise the €27m clause.
Nottingham Forest loan manager Owen Coyle Jr. recently said a decision has to be made on his future. This includes the possibility of Vítor Pereira including him in his plans next season.
“Kalimuendo has really done very well. He went there, he’s performing well, he’s scoring goals. But he still has a very positive relationship with Forest. He talks to the other players regularly. He’s already been back to watch some games,” he said.
Taking this into account, Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche lowering the €27m clause remains doubtful. In short, the Reds won’t offer a discount.
The player’s contract with the Reds is until 2030, and Transfermarkt value him at €30m.