Frankfurt push for Kalimuendo deal as Forest hold firm on valuation

Arnaud Kalimuendo’s successful loan spell at Eintracht FrankfurtTeam·Eintracht Frankfurt is set to move into its decisive phase, with the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga club pushing to turn the French forward’s stay into a permanent transfer while Nottingham ForestTeam·Nottingham Forest hold out for a higher fee.

Kalimuendo spends the 2025/26 season on loan in Germany from Forest and delivers a solid return, scoring six goals and providing one assist in 19 BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga games. His movement across the frontline and capacity to operate as a central striker or off the wing add variety to Frankfurt’s attack, strengthening their case to retain him beyond the loan.

That impact now feeds directly into the transfer market. Eintracht FrankfurtTeam·Eintracht Frankfurt are seeking to sign Kalimuendo on a permanent basis after his performances in Hessen, with negotiations already under way according to reports in Germany. The discussions centre not on the desire of the player or the club, but on how to bridge a growing gap in valuation.

A purchase option of €27m is understood to have been included in the original loan agreement, but Frankfurt have no intention of activating that clause. Instead, the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga side value Kalimuendo at around €20m and do not want to exceed that figure. Nottingham ForestTeam·Nottingham Forest, by contrast, are insisting on a fee closer to €25m, creating a narrow but significant margin that both sides must now navigate.

Kalimuendo’s stance adds further pressure to the talks. The 24-year-old has signalled his intent to join Frankfurt permanently, a clear indication that he sees his future in the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga after establishing himself in the club’s attacking structure. His preference strengthens Frankfurt’s bargaining position but does not compel Forest to accept a reduced offer, especially given the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League club’s initial outlay and the wider market for forwards.

For Nottingham ForestTeam·Nottingham Forest, the situation touches directly on squad planning and financial strategy. Kalimuendo arrived in England as a versatile attacker with proven output in Ligue 1, but his most recent step forward has come in Germany. Agreeing to a lower fee would represent a compromise on their valuation, yet keeping a player who sees his future elsewhere could complicate their forward rotation and wage bill. The club must weigh the benefits of a firm stance on price against the flexibility that a clean exit would provide in the next transfer window.

For Eintracht FrankfurtTeam·Eintracht Frankfurt, the negotiations form a key part of a broader attacking rebuild. With the expected departures of Elye WahiPlayer·Elye Wahi and Noel FutkeuPlayer·Noel Futkeu, club decision‑makers are likely to recycle a portion of incoming transfer fees into securing Kalimuendo on a long‑term deal. Retaining a forward already integrated into their system would offer continuity, reducing the risk that often comes with a new signing adapting to the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga’s pace and tactical demands.

The recent return of Adi HütterCoach·Adi Hütter to Frankfurt adds another layer of significance. A permanent move for Kalimuendo would give the coach a dynamic forward comfortable linking play and attacking space in behind, valuable assets for a side that often alternates between possession-based phases and quick transitions. His BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga output during the loan suggests he can contribute both as a starter and as an impact option when Frankfurt chase games or rotate across competitions.

Beyond club level, the deal also speaks to the evolving relationship between the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League and the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga in the transfer market. Kalimuendo’s case reflects a growing pattern: Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League clubs investing in forwards, then using loans to top‑tier German sides to develop value and assess long‑term fit. If Frankfurt and Forest find common ground, it would reinforce the BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga’s status as a proving ground for Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League‑owned talent and could influence how future loans with purchase options are structured.

What happens next will likely hinge on whether either side adjusts its position. Frankfurt must decide how far they are willing to stretch their budget to secure a player who has already shown he can contribute in their system. Forest, meanwhile, must judge whether holding out for their preferred number risks losing a clear buyer for a player keen to remain abroad. With the transfer window approaching, both clubs face a tight timeline to convert a productive loan into a permanent solution that satisfies all parties.