Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Arnaud Kalimuendo from Ligue 1 side Rennes on a five-year deal worth a reported £26 million, Afrosport reports.
The 23-year-old Frenchman, who is of DR Congo heritage, began his career at Paris Saint-Germain but was unable to break into the first team after two loan spells at RC Lens. He joined Rennes in 2022 and scored 40 goals and provided 14 assists in 112 competitive appearances.
The 2024-25 campaign was the most productive for Kalimuendo as he scored a total of 18 goals in 34 games in all competitions, 17 of them coming in Ligue 1 with Rennes finishing 12th, eight points shy of the relegation/promotion spot.
“When I heard about the interest from Forest, I was honoured. This is a proud moment for me, joining a team who had a strong season last year and a Club with great history,” he told the club website.
“I’m ready for the challenge, and I arrive 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 can’t wait to play in the Premier League, and to play at the City Ground. I watched games from last season, and it’s clear the fans create a beautiful atmosphere. I’m excited to see them and impatient to get started.”
Kali. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/LEFZOO7QGu
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) August 18, 2025
Kalimuendo’s arrival has taken Forest’s summer spending to almost £150 million after acquiring seven players that includes Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee from Ipswich Town and Manchester City, respectively.
They have also signed Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha, Dan Ndoye and Angus Gunn ahead of their return to Europe for the first time in 29 years after last season’s seventh-place finish.
