Kalimuendo joins Forest amid big summer spend

By Martin Graham

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of striker Arnaud Kalimuendo from Rennes on a five-year contract. The move is believed to be worth an initial £26m.

The 23-year-old forward was in excellent form last season, netting 18 goals across 34 matches as Rennes ended their Ligue 1 campaign in 12th place. Since leaving Paris St-Germain in 2022, Kalimuendo has registered 40 goals in 113 appearances for the French side.

He also represented his country at the Paris Olympics last year, helping France secure a silver medal. Speaking after joining, he said he felt “honoured” by Forest’s interest and is eager to make his Premier League debut at the City Ground.

Heavy summer spending

Kalimuendo’s arrival comes after a summer of significant investment by Forest. Before this latest addition, the club had already committed more than £114m on six new players.

In recent days, they brought in winger Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town for £37.5m and completed the signing of Manchester City midfielder James McAtee for close to £30m. Earlier in the window, Brazil striker Igor Jesus was signed from Botafogo for £10m to provide further depth up front alongside Chris Wood.

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo had expressed frustration with the club’s transfer strategy last week, warning that his squad was not fully prepared for the demands of European football.

Balancing departures and ambitions

Forest started their league campaign strongly with a 3-1 win over Brentford at home on Sunday. Their season will also feature European football, as they qualified for the Europa League after Crystal Palace were moved into the Europa Conference League.

The club has also seen notable changes in its squad. Anthony Elanga departed for Newcastle in a transfer worth an initial £55m, while Morgan Gibbs-White signed a contract extension despite Tottenham showing interest. Forest were left considering legal measures in response to Spurs’ pursuit of the midfielder.