Nottingham Forest Close In On Stefan Ortega Signing

Nottingham Forest are gearing up for a dramatic late move in the January transfer window, with Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega on the verge of joining the Midlands club. As the clock ticks down toward Monday’s deadline, Forest have reached a verbal agreement with City for the permanent transfer of the experienced German shot-stopper, who is set to sign a short-term contract at the City Ground. The deal, reportedly worth up to £500,000, is expected to be finalized over the weekend, though Ortega will not be registered in time to feature against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

This move comes at a crucial time for Forest, who are desperate for goalkeeping reinforcements after Brazilian John Victor suffered a season-ending knee injury. With Victor sidelined, Matz Sels has been the only senior option between the sticks, prompting Forest’s hierarchy to act swiftly in the market. The club had previously held talks with Wolves over a potential move for Jose Sa, but ultimately pivoted toward Ortega when the opportunity arose.

Fabrizio Romano, the renowned transfer insider, summed up the mood of anticipation on social media: “Stefan Ortega to Nottingham Forest, here we go! Verbal agreement in place for the goalkeeper. Permanent move from Manchester City, short-term contract, and all set for the last minute move. Ortega has already said yes to Nottingham Forest, with the medical booked.” According to Romano and other sources, the medical is scheduled, and all parties expect the deal to be completed before the window slams shut.

For Ortega, this transfer represents a fresh start after a challenging period at Manchester City. The 33-year-old, who joined City in 2022, played a pivotal role in their 2023-2024 Premier League title triumph, making nine appearances that season, including a crucial final-day victory over West Ham United. In total, Ortega has featured 56 times for the Sky Blues across three seasons, stepping up admirably during Ederson’s absences and even playing in the Club World Cup and the FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace last campaign.

However, the landscape at the Etihad shifted dramatically last summer. Manchester City brought in Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain and James Trafford from Burnley, pushing Ortega further down the pecking order. The arrival of Marcus Bettinelli as a fourth-choice option only compounded matters, and Ortega has not made a single Premier League appearance this season. His last outing for City came at the Club World Cup in July, where he kept a clean sheet in a 6-0 win over Al-Ain.

Pep Guardiola has never hidden his admiration for Ortega’s quality, once describing him as “among the best goalkeepers I have seen.” Yet, with his contract expiring this summer and his opportunities severely limited, the writing was on the wall. Ortega turned down offers in the previous window, but with his game-time reduced and no longer traveling to every matchday squad, the veteran keeper has now opted for a new challenge in Nottingham.

Forest’s goalkeeping crisis left the club with little margin for error. John Victor’s knee injury, expected to rule him out for the remainder of the campaign, forced the club’s hand. The search for reliable cover and competition for Sels became a top priority, especially as Forest continue to battle on two fronts—fighting for Premier League survival and preparing for the Europa League play-offs. Currently sitting 17th in the Premier League, Forest’s precarious position means every point, and every save, could be pivotal in the coming months.

Ortega’s imminent arrival is not the only business Forest are pursuing. The club is also working on a deal for Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi, who could join on loan with an option to buy. The Italian international, capped 33 times for his country, has made 19 appearances for Inter this season, including six in the Champions League. Forest’s midfield ranks were depleted earlier in January when Douglas Luiz returned to Aston Villa after his loan spell was cut short, leaving a creative void that Frattesi could help fill.

Forest’s January activity has been brisk. Striker Lorenzo Lucca has already arrived on loan from Napoli, providing a much-needed boost up front. The club also made a bold £35 million bid for Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, though that approach was rebuffed. Outgoings have included the loan of Arnaud Kalimuendo to Eintracht Frankfurt and the departure of Douglas Luiz, while speculation continues around the future of Oleksandr Zinchenko at the City Ground.

The deal for Ortega is structured as a permanent move, but with a short-term contract that reflects both the urgency of Forest’s situation and the player’s desire for regular football. While the initial transfer is described as a free, the agreement could net Manchester City up to £500,000 if certain performance clauses are triggered—a tidy sum for a player who had become surplus to requirements in Manchester.

Ortega’s experience could prove invaluable for Forest. At 33, he brings a wealth of big-game know-how, having played in some of the highest-pressure environments in European football. His leadership and composure will be crucial in steadying a Forest defense that has struggled with consistency throughout the season. The German’s track record—especially his performances during City’s title run—suggests he still has plenty to offer at the top level.

Forest fans will no doubt be eager to see their new signing in action, though they’ll have to wait at least one more matchday, as Ortega will not be registered in time for the Crystal Palace fixture. Assuming all goes to plan with his medical and paperwork, he could be available for selection as soon as the following week—a prospect that adds a layer of intrigue to Forest’s upcoming matches.

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s goalkeeper reshuffle continues apace. With Donnarumma and Trafford now firmly established as the first and second choices, and Bettinelli providing further depth, the club has also moved to strengthen other areas, bringing in defender Marc Guehi and winger Antoine Semenyo, while allowing Oscar Bobb to join Fulham and loaning out several youngsters.

The transfer of Stefan Ortega to Nottingham Forest marks a significant moment for both clubs. For Forest, it’s a statement of intent—a move that addresses an immediate need and signals their determination to stay in the Premier League and make a splash in Europe. For Ortega, it’s a chance to get back on the pitch, prove his enduring quality, and perhaps remind the football world why Pep Guardiola once rated him so highly.

As the January window draws to a close, all eyes will be on the City Ground to see if Ortega’s arrival can help spark a turnaround in Forest’s fortunes. The deal is not yet officially confirmed, but with all indications pointing toward completion, the anticipation is building. Nottingham Forest fans, buckle up—this could be a season-defining signing.