Nottingham Forest have announced the signing of Arnaud Kalimuendo, who joins the club on a five-year contract.
The 23-year-old had a good season in Ligue 1 in 2024/25, scoring 18 goals and providing four assists in 34 appearances for Stade Rennais. The Frenchman started his career at Paris Saint-Germain at the age of ten, working his way through the academy in the French capital. At just 16 years old, the striker made his debut for the U19 national team in the UEFA Youth League. He made his official first-team debut in 2020, signing a contract extension with the 13-time French champions in the same year.
After two successful loan spells at Lens, where he scored 21 goals in 65 games, Kalimuendo ended his ten-year partnership with PSG. He moved to Brittany to sign for Rennes in August 2022.
Kalimuendo played in the Europa League in his first two seasons for the Ligue 1 team, and has played over 100 times and scored 40 goals.
Operating primarily as a centre-forward, but with the ability to stretch defenders and play on the wing, Kalimuendo is an agile striker who comes to Trentside after his best assist season.
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When he signed, Kalimuendo told Nottingham Forest’s pages: “When I heard about the interest from Forest, I was honoured. This is a proud moment for me, to join a team that had a strong season last year and a club with a great history.
“I am ready for the challenge, and I come here with good experience. I had a good season last year with goals and assists, but I want more and want to reach a new level here.” “I’m looking forward to playing in the Premier League and to playing at the City Ground. I watched games from last season and it’s clear that the fans create a beautiful atmosphere. I can’t wait to see them and I’m impatient to get started.”
Football boss Ross Wilson said: “It’s been a busy few days for us – the culmination of a lot of hard work from our staff over several weeks.
“Arnaud is a person whose progress we have followed closely at PSG, Lens and Rennes, and we are delighted that the next step in his journey will be here in Nottingham.
“He comes with real excitement and great energy, and we can’t wait to see that on the pitch.”
This is a proud moment for me,” says the 23-year-old player.
The transfer fee lands at 31.5 million euros.
Arnaud Kalimuendo (23) is brought in from Rennes and signs a five-year contract with Nottingham Forest.
- This is a proud moment for me. When I heard about the interest, I felt honored,” Kalimuendo said in a statement.
- I’m looking forward to playing in the Premier League and at the City Ground.
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