Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal to sign Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, with the move expected to be completed before the January transfer deadline in England.
The agreement, reached over the weekend, will see the 33-year-old German join Forest on a permanent deal at the City Ground.
The transfer matters because Forest need experienced cover in goal as they fight to stabilise their Premier League season, while Manchester City continues to reshape their goalkeeper options.
Supporters, fantasy football players, and clubs tracking deadline-day moves now wait for Ortega’s medical to be completed.
What exactly has happened in the Stefan Ortega transfer?
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the move on social media, stating: “Nottingham Forest have reached verbal agreement to sign Stefan Ortega from Manchester City. Here we go!”, Fabrizio Romano on X
🚨🌳 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 already said yes to #NFFC as medical booked, as @Plettigoal reports. All set. pic.twitter.com/GglAAmsdYs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2026
Forest and City reportedly finalised a verbal agreement, with paperwork and medical checks expected before the transfer window shuts on Monday night.
Ortega has not played for Pep Guardiola this season, finding himself behind new arrivals in City’s goalkeeping ranks. The German last appeared in competitive action during the Club World Cup, featuring in City’s 6–0 win against Al-Ain.
Why is Nottingham Forest signing Stefan Ortega now?
Forest is strengthening key areas late in the January window. Manager and recruitment staff want Premier League experience in goal as the club battles to secure its top-flight status.
Key factors behind the move:
- Ortega offers reliable top-level experience
- He has already proved himself during Ederson’s injury spells last season
- Forest wants immediate stability rather than long-term development options
- The deal is financially manageable compared to younger, high-value keepers
Last season, Ortega made 21 appearances for Manchester City, helping them maintain strong domestic and European performances while Ederson recovered from injuries.
Forest believes that the level of experience can help steady results in crucial upcoming matches.
How have Manchester City reshuffled their goalkeeper options?
Manchester City have dramatically changed their goalkeeping depth within six months.
| Season Change | Goalkeeper Situation |
|---|---|
| Summer arrivals | Gianluigi Donnarumma & James Trafford joined |
| Departures | Ederson later moved to Fenerbahce |
| Result | Ortega became surplus to requirements |
With two new keepers arriving, Ortega’s pathway to minutes became extremely limited.
For City, the move frees up squad space and wages while allowing Ortega regular football again.
What does Stefan Ortega bring to Forest on the pitch?
Ortega earned praise at City for:
- Strong shot-stopping
- Calm distribution under pressure
- Reliability in big matches
- Experience in domestic and international competitions
A notable example came during City’s 2023–24 season, where Ortega delivered key performances while Ederson recovered from injury, helping the club maintain momentum across competitions.
Forest supporters hope that experience helps reduce defensive errors in tight matches.
Are Forest making more deadline-day moves?
Yes. Forest is also pursuing Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi, reportedly on loan with an option to buy. The club seeks midfield reinforcement after Douglas Luiz’s loan ended early, sending him back to Aston Villa.
Frattesi has made 19 appearances this season, including six in the Champions League, making him an attractive option for Forest as they look to strengthen squad depth.
