Nottingham Forest are seeking a surprise deal to sign Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega before the January transfer deadline.
The German shot-stopper, who has been a trusted substitute for manager Josep Guardiola in recent seasons, is reportedly set to leave the Etihad Stadium in search of regular first-team football.
As the 2026 winter period enters its final hours, Forest have emerged as the frontrunners to secure the deal.
Nottingham Forest eyeing signing of Stefan Ortega
Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are currently “working” to finalize a deal.
According to the latest information, negotiations between the two Premier League clubs have already begun.
Plettenberg posted to X:
“Forest are looking to sign Stefan Ortega,” Plettenberg said. “Currently, negotiations are underway with Manchester City. More teams are interested in him. Forest are currently pushing. Ortega is expected to leave Manchester City by the deadline.”
Several clubs across Europe are monitoring Ortega’s situation, including interest from Italy and Spain, but Forest’s proactive approach suggests they are determined to add proven Premier League and Champions League experience to their ranks for the second half of the season.
Ortega has previously been linked with a move to Chelsea.
Ortega falls down the Manchester City hierarchy
Ortega’s sudden arrival comes after a dramatic personnel change in Manchester City’s goalkeeping department.
Despite signing a contract extension in 2024, Ortega is effectively out in 2025 following a high-profile summer rebuild.
The arrival of Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG and the return of James Trafford from Burnley have reshaped the hierarchy.
With Donnarumma establishing himself as the undisputed number one and Trafford serving as the regular goalkeeper in cup competitions, Ortega has dropped to third and even fourth choice.
The 33-year-old German is too talented to remain on the sidelines.
Ortega famously saved City’s title hopes in 2024 with his legendary one-on-one stop on Son Heung-min, but now Ortega is ready to prove he can be a starting number one on City’s pitch.
