Eintracht Frankfurt is set to make another effort to acquire Nottingham Forest striker Arnaud Kalimuendo during the upcoming January 2027 transfer window. The 24-year-old Frenchman remains the preferred attacking reinforcement for the Hessen club, as reported by Absolutfussball.
Frankfurt aims to bolster its squad in two key areas this January: a centre-forward and fullback positions. Kalimuendo, who had a successful loan spell last season scoring six goals in 19 Bundesliga appearances, has caught the club’s attention again.
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Although Eintracht contemplated a permanent transfer after his loan, they opted not to activate a purchase option reportedly priced at €27 million.
Frankfurt Revives Interest in Kalimuendo
The latest developments indicate Frankfurt’s ongoing attempts to secure the French attacker. As previously reported in a Get German Football News reported, Eintracht sought a second loan agreement with Nottingham Forest in the final days of the summer transfer window.
However, negotiations were complicated as Forest reportedly demanded a transfer fee over €30 million, a record investment for Frankfurt. The Premier League club expressed a preference for a permanent deal instead of another loan.
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Eintracht subsequently abandoned their deadline-day pursuit to focus on other outgoing transfers. Kalimuendo remained in England, where his opportunities for regular first-team action have since diminished.
He has seen limited playing time at Nottingham Forest this season and has not registered any goal contributions. This scenario may grant Frankfurt an edge in future discussions, especially if Forest becomes more amenable to another loan.
The clarity around whether the Premier League club would lower its previous asking price is still uncertain, and no specific financial details concerning Frankfurt’s January proposal have surfaced.
Prospects for Frankfurt’s Attacking Line-Up
This renewed interest in Kalimuendo comes during a promising phase for Frankfurt’s current centre-forwards. Jonathan Burkardt and Younes Ebnoutalib have both started the 2026/27 season strongly, consistently contributing goals while coach Hütter stresses the importance of managing his attacking options based on match tactics.
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This situation contrasts sharply with the earlier circumstances surrounding Kalimuendo’s departure. As previously examined in GGFN’ highlighted, the club initially seemed ready to operate without a costly attacking addition. With Burkardt solidifying his role and Ebnoutalib emerging as a viable alternative, both have enhanced their claims to hold a prominent place in the squad.
This means that should Kalimuendo return, he would compete as an established Bundesliga player rather than serving as an immediate fix for a struggling attack. His adaptability to creating opportunities and contributing defensively align well with Hütter’s attacking philosophy.
Additionally, Frankfurt’s broader financial and sporting context plays a critical role in these negotiations. Following Markus Krösche’s departure, the club is restructuring its approach to sporting leadership, focusing on financial sustainability and targeted recruitment.
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Kalimuendo’s past performance in the Bundesliga indicates that he can make a significant contribution. His limited playtime at Nottingham Forest could now create more favorable negotiating terms compared to previous discussions held during the summer.
