Nottingham Forest negotiated the loan of Arnaud Kalimuendo to Eintracht Frankfurt in January as a strong defense. Just a few weeks later, that security already appears to be under quiet pressure.
according to Image Frankfurt, The Bundesliga side secured a purchase option for the 24-year-old forward worth around £23.2m (€27m). This was an important section, structured by sporting director Markus Kroesch during the winter window.
At the time, the figure gave Nottingham Forest clarity. If Frankfurt were satisfied, they could trigger the option. If not, the player will be returned. Easy. However, the situation now looks less straightforward.
Kalimuendo made an immediate impact in Germany. He has scored three goals and added one assist in his first eight Bundesliga appearances. Recently he also scored a goal in the 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich. Internally, both the board and head coach Albert Riera are said to be very pleased with his performances.
Individual conditions are not a hindrance. contract till 2031 reportedly agreed in principleThe basic salary is approximately £2.6m per year (€3m). From a sporting and contractual perspective, the groundwork is in place.
Consent on option – delay in decision
Despite this, BILD reports that Frankfurt does not intend to make a final decision until May. The delay has been agreed with the players and their representatives, with all parties focusing on football for the time being.
The financial context is important. If Frankfurt fails to qualify for European competition, it will be much more difficult to commit more than £23 million on a player. That uncertainty shifts the focus back to fees.
Importantly, Krosh has a reputation as a tough negotiator. The report suggests that even if Frankfurt reaches Europe, they may still consider resuming price discussions. If the forest were removed, that leverage would only increase.
What does this mean for nottingham forest
On the Nottingham Forest side, the provision of £23.2 million was to resolve the ambiguity. There are options to avoid this type of scenario – strong performance leads to new deals.
Now, this clause could become the starting point for another round of talks, rather than being a definitive outcome. Frankfurt clearly wants to keep Kalimuendo. The player wants to stay. Yet the agreed figure is no longer presented as inevitable.
Nottingham Forest negotiated in good faith in January. The coming months will reveal whether that agreement holds – or whether Frankfurt's strong desire to renegotiate the numbers turns a direct option into summer negotiations.
There is also a belief in Frankfurt that forest removal could help in achieving lower tariffs.
