Nottingham Forest’s Summer Transfer Window and Squad Overview
Nottingham Forest came into the 2025-26 Premier League season with a clear intention to bolster their squad significantly. Following their promotion back to the top flight and subsequent survival, the club’s ambition to establish themselves as a stable Premier League side has been evident in their active transfer dealings. The recruitment strategy aimed at bringing in players with Premier League experience, exciting young talent, and those with proven quality at high levels.
Among the new arrivals, Igor Jesus and Douglas Luiz have already made an immediate positive impact. Luiz’s midfield dynamism and ball-winning ability provide much-needed steel and control, while Igor Jesus’s pace, dribbling, and recent goal-scoring form have injected energy into Forest’s attack. Alongside them, emerging talents like Dilane Bakwa and Dan Ndoye are starting to show glimpses of their potential, giving supporters reasons to be optimistic about the club’s long-term prospects.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, with his vast experience and versatility, has been a revelation. The Ukrainian international has slotted into Postecoglou’s system seamlessly, contributing both defensively and offensively, and he’s started the last four matches in a row. James McAtee, another young player, has also been handed chances to impress, highlighting the manager’s trust in integrating fresh talent alongside more experienced players.
Kalimuendo’s Arrival: Expectations vs. Reality
Into this mix stepped Arnaud Kalimuendo, the French striker who arrived with significant fanfare and expectation. Forest paid a hefty £26 million transfer fee for the 23-year-old, reflecting their belief in his potential to become a leading goal scorer in the Premier League. Kalimuendo’s record in Ligue 1 was impressive—17 goals last season—and his style promised to add a different dimension to Forest’s attacking options.
Kalimuendo is a forward known for his intelligent movement, ability to exploit spaces, sharp finishing, and agility. Unlike Chris Wood, whose game revolves around physicality, aerial presence, and hold-up play, Kalimuendo offers a more fluid attacking threat. He is the kind of striker who can press high, create chances for himself and others, and link play between midfield and attack.
Given these attributes, many expected Kalimuendo to be Postecoglou’s first-choice striker or, at the very least, to feature regularly and influence games. After all, a player with his technical qualities seems a natural fit in a team coached by an attacking-minded manager who emphasizes possession, pressing, and tactical flexibility.
Struggles to Break Through: The Current Reality
Yet, as the season has unfolded, Kalimuendo’s involvement has been minimal. He has yet to start a Premier League game for Forest under either of the club’s two managers so far—Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou. His playing time is limited to substitute appearances, and even then, his minutes on the pitch have often been fleeting, such as the brief cameo at the end of the Sunderland game, which left him no opportunity to influence the outcome.
This lack of trust and game time raises several questions. Is it a matter of tactical fit, physical adaptation, form in training, or simply the current superior form of his competitors for the striking role?
Chris Wood remains ahead of Kalimuendo in the pecking order despite mixed performances. Wood’s experience in the Premier League and his ability to battle defenders physically are valuable in Forest’s sometimes gritty fixtures. Though Wood’s form has been patchy, Postecoglou still views him as a viable option, likely valuing his work ethic and presence.
More pressing is Igor Jesus, who is currently enjoying a purple patch. His recent goal-scoring spree—four goals in two games including important contributions in the Europa League—has made him indispensable. His pace, flair, and finishing are exactly what Forest need to unlock stubborn defenses, and his confidence is sky-high. His performances have arguably cemented his place in the starting eleven and further limited Kalimuendo’s chances.
Tactical Considerations: Why Is Kalimuendo Struggling to Fit?
From a tactical perspective, Kalimuendo’s struggle might be linked to the specific demands Postecoglou places on his forwards. Postecoglou’s system demands high energy, pressing, quick transitions, and tactical intelligence. While Kalimuendo possesses technical ability, it’s possible that adapting to the physicality and tempo of the Premier League—and to Postecoglou’s exacting style—has been more challenging than anticipated.
Moreover, team chemistry and confidence play a huge role. Igor Jesus and Wood, despite the latter’s struggles, have developed some understanding with their teammates, while Kalimuendo is still settling into a new league, new teammates, and a new tactical system.
The Frenchman’s style also contrasts with the traditional number nine role that Forest have often employed. Wood’s hold-up play allows midfield runners and wide players to join attacks effectively, while Jesus offers a dynamic, fast-moving forward who presses relentlessly. Kalimuendo’s qualities may be better suited to a system where he gets more service and can roam more freely, but Postecoglou may prefer a forward who fits a very specific role in his pressing game and tactical setup.
The Psychological and Career Impact
For a young striker, limited game time and lack of confidence from the manager can be a difficult psychological burden. Kalimuendo must remain mentally strong, maintain focus, and keep working hard in training to impress the coaching staff. The risk, however, is that if he continues to be sidelined, it could affect his confidence, development, and ultimately his career trajectory.
Strikers especially thrive on rhythm, confidence, and momentum, and extended periods on the bench rarely help those aspects. Kalimuendo will need to be patient, but also ready to seize any opportunity that comes his way. Whether that be due to rotation in congested fixtures, injuries, or tactical tweaks, his window to make an impact will come, and he cannot afford to let it slip.
Looking Ahead: Can Kalimuendo Turn Things Around?
Looking to the future, Kalimuendo’s path back into the starting eleven largely depends on a few factors:
- Wood’s Form and Fitness: If Wood’s performances continue to decline, or if injury strikes, Kalimuendo could be the natural replacement. However, Wood’s experience means he likely retains some margin of trust from Postecoglou.
- Sustained Pressure from Jesus: If Igor Jesus continues to perform at a high level, the manager might be reluctant to change a winning formula, which leaves fewer openings for Kalimuendo.
- Tactical Flexibility: Postecoglou might adjust his system to accommodate Kalimuendo’s strengths, possibly playing with two forwards or rotating more regularly in attacking positions.
- Kalimuendo’s Adaptation and Performance: Ultimately, the onus is on the player himself. Improving physical conditioning, understanding the tactical demands, and showing his hunger and sharpness when given minutes will be key.
If Kalimuendo can demonstrate his value during training, in substitute appearances, or in cup competitions, he could force his way back into the manager’s plans. Otherwise, he risks becoming a peripheral figure, which would be a disappointing outcome for a player of his potential.
Conclusion
Arnaud Kalimuendo’s situation at Nottingham Forest serves as a reminder of how complex football careers can be. A big transfer fee and promising pedigree don’t always guarantee instant success, especially in a league as demanding as the Premier League. The competitive nature of squad selection, tactical nuances, and form all influence a player’s chances.
For Forest, the challenge is balancing the immediate need for results with nurturing their young talents. For Kalimuendo, the challenge is to stay patient, keep improving, and be ready to prove he can deliver at the highest level. The next few months will be crucial in defining his role at the club and possibly shaping his future in English football.
Do you think Forest should try to give Kalimuendo more starts to build his confidence? Or is it better for the club to stick with the current in-form forwards until he’s proven himself more in training?