Nottingham Forest have secured a significant goalkeeping reinforcement in the final hours of the January transfer window, reaching an agreement with Manchester City for the permanent signing of German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
The experienced shot-stopper is set to join the Midlands club on a short-term contract for the remainder of the season, with the transfer worth up to £500,000 according to BBC Sport.
The move, described by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano with his signature “here we go,” is a direct response to a season-ending knee injury suffered by Forest’s Brazilian goalkeeper John Victor.
The 33-year-old Ortega arrives at the City Ground seeking a fresh start after a dramatic change in fortunes at the Etihad Stadium. Having joined Manchester City in 2022, he made 56 appearances across three seasons, playing a key role in the club’s 2024 Premier League title triumph.
His heroics included a crucial one-on-one save against Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min in May 2024, a moment manager Pep Guardiola later identified as decisive. “He saves us – otherwise Arsenal are champions,” Guardiola said at the time. “One-on-one, Stefan is one of the best keepers I’ve seen in my life”.
However, the summer signings of Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford pushed Ortega down to fourth choice, and he has not made a single Premier League appearance this campaign.
For Nottingham Forest, currently 17th in the Premier League and five points above the relegation zone, Ortega’s acquisition addresses an urgent need. With Victor out, Matz Sels had been the only senior goalkeeper available, prompting the club’s hierarchy to act swiftly.
Forest had initially explored a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ José Sá before pivoting to secure Ortega’s services. While the German will not be registered in time to face Crystal Palace this weekend, his experience and proven quality at the highest level are expected to provide vital competition and stability for the final months of the season as the club battles for survival .
The deal represents a pragmatic piece of business for both clubs. Manchester City recoup a fee for a loyal servant who was out of contract this summer, while Forest secure a seasoned professional with a winning pedigree without a long-term commitment.
Ortega’s arrival is part of an active window for Sean Dyche’s side, who have also brought in striker Lorenzo Lucca on loan from Napoli and are working on a deal for Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi.