Eintracht Frankfurt are in negotiations with Nottingham Forest over a permanent deal for Arnaud Kalimuendo, though the Bundesliga side face significant obstacles from their former manager Oliver Glasner, who now coaches the Premier League club.
The French striker impressed during the second half of last season on loan in Germany, prompting Frankfurt to pursue a full-time return. However, no agreement has been reached between the clubs despite reports that Kalimuendo has already agreed personal terms on a contract running until 2031.
Financial complications
Frankfurt held a €27 million purchase option for the 22-year-old but opted not to trigger it, instead attempting to negotiate a reduced fee with Nottingham Forest. This decision has created uncertainty around the transfer, with the German club hoping to secure the forward at a lower price than previously stipulated.
The situation is further complicated by Glasner, who managed Frankfurt before joining Forest. The Austrian has publicly praised Kalimuendo after the forward scored in a 2-0 pre-season friendly victory over Notts County.
Glasner’s stance
“He had a fantastic game today, not just with the goal he scored. He found very good positions between the lines,” Glasner said, according to the Nottingham Post. “Every player who is here gets the chance to show up. So far, everybody is very ambitious and hard-working in training.”
Glasner has indicated that Kalimuendo remains part of his plans for the upcoming campaign, stating: “Right now he is a player of Nottingham Forest and he gets the chance, like everyone else.”
The Forest manager acknowledged the volatile nature of the transfer window, adding: “The transfer market starts to heat up. We don’t really know what will happen in the next few weeks – so many things can happen.”
Kalimuendo’s immediate future therefore hangs in the balance. While the player is understood to favour a return to Frankfurt, Glasner’s admiration and willingness to utilise him during pre-season training presents a significant barrier to the German club’s ambitions.