Nottingham Forest Make Move For Man City Goalkeeper | OneFootball

Forest Move for Ortega Signals Smart Squad Planning

Nottingham Forest appear ready to add experience and calm to their goalkeeping group, with Stefan Ortega closing in on a switch from Manchester City. The report, first detailed by The Independent, paints a picture of a club reacting swiftly to circumstance and shaping depth for a demanding Premier League run in.

Ortega arrives with a reputation forged largely out of the spotlight. At City he operated as Ederson’s deputy, trusted in cup ties and high pressure moments. He made 56 appearances across three seasons, a respectable return for a goalkeeper in a squad built around an undisputed number one. Yet football moves quickly. After the arrivals of Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford, Ortega slid to third choice and has not featured this campaign.

Forest’s motivation feels practical. “Ortega is set to be Forest’s back-up goalkeeper to Matz Sels after John Victor was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.” That line alone explains much. Injuries reshape priorities, and Premier League survival often rests on reliable deputies.

Goalkeeping Depth Gains Importance

Forest supporters have seen how a settled goalkeeper can anchor a side. Matz Sels has offered assurance, but modern campaigns demand more than one dependable pair of hands. Ortega’s pedigree at an elite club suggests strong training standards and mental resilience.

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“The German will move to the City Ground on a free transfer, though the transfer could net City £500,000 if clauses are triggered.” That structure suits Forest, low risk, potentially high reward. If clauses activate, it likely means appearances or success, outcomes Forest would welcome.

Winter Window Activity Continues

This move sits within a busy window. Forest have loaned Lorenzo Lucca, pursued Davide Frattesi, and balanced departures such as Douglas Luiz. Recruitment appears targeted rather than flashy. Each deal addresses a specific squad need.

City, meanwhile, continue their constant evolution, bringing in Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo while moving on several younger players. Ortega’s exit feels like a natural consequence of that churn.

Experience Could Prove Valuable

A goalkeeper who has trained daily under Pep Guardiola carries lessons beyond match minutes. Positioning, distribution, composure under press, all are traits City demand. Forest may benefit from those habits, even if Ortega plays a supporting role.

There is also human motivation. A player pushed to the margins often arrives hungry. If opportunities come, Ortega will want to remind observers why he once featured regularly for the champions.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Nottingham Forest fan perspective, this feels like sensible business. Nobody expects a back up goalkeeper signing to transform a season, yet these are the deals that quietly secure points. When John Victor suffered that knee injury, anxiety around depth was natural. One more setback and the situation could have looked thin.

Ortega brings credibility. Fans remember his performances in domestic cups for City, calm on the ball, quick off his line. Even if he plays only a handful of matches, confidence in the stand in matters. Relegation battles often hinge on moments, a late save at 1-1, a steady display away from home.

There is also curiosity about how he fits into the dressing room. Players from title winning environments can lift standards in training. Younger keepers watching him daily might benefit.