'Never lost sight of him' – January move for Nottingham Forest player after Marinakis blocked exit

Eintracht Frankfurt plan a January move for Nottingham Forest striker Kalimuendo after Marinakis blocked a summer exit; Frankfurt hold a €27m purchase option from his loan spell.

Arnaud Kalimuendo joined Nottingham Forest for around €30m in August 2025 after scoring 18 goals in his final season at Stade Rennais, but has struggled at the City Ground with just two goals in 14 matches (392 minutes). He was loaned to Eintracht Frankfurt in January and rediscovered form, scoring six goals in 19 Bundesliga appearances.

Frankfurt agreed a purchase option of €27m but refused to pay it, hoping to negotiate a lower fee in the summer. However, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis blocked Kalimuendo's deadline day return to Germany, with Frankfurt manager Adi Hütter later saying "We tried everything. But it didn't work because of the other side."

Kalimuendo's situation has worsened this season—he has played just 110 minutes in five matches for Forest. Frankfurt remain keen and have prepared plans to sign him in January, with the German club viewing him as their top attacking target. Frankfurt's sporting director Markus Krösche recently stepped down and could join AC Milan, potentially freeing funds for the transfer.