The summer transfer window is notorious for wild twists, unexpected reprieves, and dramatic changes of heart. As Nottingham Forest gear up for a massive opening-weekend clash against Leeds United at the City Ground, new manager Oliver Glasner has delivered a major update regarding the future of forward Arnaud Kalimuendo.
Just weeks ago, it looked all but certain that Kalimuendo’s turbulent spell on Trentside was drawing to a permanent close. After arriving from Rennes last summer in a hefty £26 million deal on a five-year contract, the French attacker struggled to nail down a regular starting role under previous setups. That frustration ultimately culminated in a loan spell away from the club during the second half of last term with German side Eintracht Frankfurt.
While Eintracht held a purchase option to make the move permanent, negotiations stalled as the Bundesliga club attempted to haggle for a lower fee than initially agreed. In the interim, Kalimuendo rolled up his sleeves, put his head down, and went to work on the training pitch—a decision that has completely flipped the script.
Seizing the Pre-Season Spotlight
Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s 3 PM Premier League kickoff, Glasner revealed that Kalimuendo has forced his way firmly back into the club’s plans with an electric pre-season campaign.
“Kalimuendo is our second best scorer in pre-season, after Igor (Jesus), so that’s why our goal is to keep him,” Glasner stated candidly.
While the pragmatic Austrian manager acknowledged that the fluid nature of the transfer market means things can change quickly—noting that a massive bid combined with a player’s desire to leave could always alter the landscape—his stance for the immediate future is crystal clear.
“Everything I say today could be wrong tomorrow. If a massive offer comes in and he says to me, ‘gaffer, I want to leave’ then probably we will find a solution. But today, the intention is that he stays here.”
Overcoming Early Struggles
Looking back at his debut 2025-26 campaign, regular game time was exceptionally hard to come by for the forward, who was limited to just nine substitute appearances in the Premier League. Adapting to the physical demands of English football proved challenging, leading many analysts and supporters to assume his time with the Reds was finished.
However, pre-season performances have proven that writing off young talent too early is a dangerous game. Kalimuendo’s sharp finishing, energetic pressing, and tactical versatility have provided Glasner with a valuable attacking weapon.
With Taiwo Awoniyi having recently completed a permanent move away to Coventry City, Forest’s attacking depth chart is evolving rapidly. Kalimuendo now finds himself locked in a competitive battle alongside Igor Jesus and veteran marksman Chris Wood to lead the line for the Garibaldi as the club targets a strong start to the new campaign.
The Road Ahead Under Glasner
As the countdown to the September 1 transfer deadline ticks down, Forest’s recruitment team continues evaluating potential additions to bolster the squad. Yet, keeping a hungry, in-form player like Kalimuendo feels like an unexpected bonus signing for a fan base eager to see the team climb the Premier League table.
Can Kalimuendo translate his scorching pre-season form into regular competitive goals when the lights shine brightest? Find out as Nottingham Forest kick off their campaign this weekend!
