Marinakis blocked his deadline-day return to Frankfurt, now the Bundesliga side are coming back for Forest’s €30m striker in January

Eintracht Frankfurt have not given up on Arnaud Kalimuendo. The Bundesliga side wanted Nottingham Forest’s French striker back on deadline day, were blocked by Evangelos Marinakis, and are now lining up a fresh attempt for January.

According to Absolut Fussball, Frankfurt are prioritising a striker and a full-back in the winter window, and Arnaud Kalimuendo is still the top attacking target. The German club have “never lost sight” of the 24-year-old, and a plan for the winter market is already in place.

For Nottingham Forest, it reopens a question the club thought they had settled in the summer.

Why did Marinakis block the move?

Forest paid around €30m to bring Kalimuendo from Stade Rennais in August 2025. He had earned the move with 18 goals and four assists in his final Ligue 1 season, but the goals never came at the City Ground. He played 392 minutes across 14 matches, scored twice, and went on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt in January.

Germany suited him. He scored six goals and added one assist in 19 matches in the second half of the season, and Frankfurt had a purchase option of around €27m. They refused to pay it, hoping to sign him permanently for less in the summer.

That plan ran into Oliver Glasner. The new Forest head coach took charge in the summer and was keen to keep Kalimuendo, which is reportedly why Marinakis stopped his deadline-day return to Germany. Frankfurt boss Adi Hütter did not hide who he blamed last month. “We tried everything. But it didn’t work because of the other side,” he said.

Kept, but not played

The odd part is what has happened since. Kalimuendo has played just 110 minutes in five matches this season, and 60 of those came in the EFL Cup defeat to Leeds United. Forest are 19th in the Premier League, have Man City at the City Ground on Saturday, and their striker who was kept back for a reason is barely getting on the pitch.

Glasner’s mood after the 2-0 defeat at Brentford was clear enough, and his tough response to the squad that week showed a manager still looking for answers. Kalimuendo has not been one of them yet.

Where would Frankfurt find the money?

Frankfurt’s sporting director Markus Krösche stepped down last month and could soon join AC Milan, who have already confirmed their interest. If he moves to Milan or another club, Frankfurt would receive funds they could put towards new signings.

There is no word yet on Forest’s stance for January, or on what Kalimuendo himself wants. The belief in Germany is that his restricted role at the City Ground could be enough to persuade him to go back to his former club.

Is a Kalimuendo return to Frankfurt now the best outcome for Forest?

It probably is. Blocking a sale only makes sense if the player then plays, and 110 minutes in five games says Glasner does not trust him yet. We already wondered back in May whether Forest were ready to sell the €30m striker, and nothing since then has made the case for keeping him stronger.

Frankfurt walked away from €27m once, so Marinakis should not expect that number in January. But a 24-year-old sitting on the bench in a relegation fight is losing value every week. If Frankfurt come back with a serious offer, Forest would be wise to listen this time.