Why Ortega would represent a change in Olympiacos’ goalkeeper strategy | OneFootball

UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Nottingham Forest FC and FC Porto at City Ground on April 16, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Olympiacos’ search for a new goalkeeper has moved through several very different profiles.

José Sá offered familiarity. Dominik Livaković offered international pedigree. Sergio Herrera and Dinko Horkaš appeared as alternatives. Stefan Ortega, however, would represent a more technically ambitious choice.

Florian Plettenberg’s reporting—subsequently confirmed in Greece by Gazzetta—places Ortega in advanced negotiations with Olympiacos. The report says the goalkeeper initially hesitated over the move but has returned to talks, with the basic terms now agreed and only final details remaining.

That is a major progression from being merely a candidate on a shortlist.

Ortega’s Manchester City experience gives him a distinctive profile. He has been trained to receive under pressure, participate in buildup and make decisions while positioned high behind the defensive line.

Although Mendilibar’s football is more direct than Pep Guardiola’s, Olympiacos would still benefit from a goalkeeper comfortable when opponents press aggressively.

His arrival could also broaden the team’s tactical options.

Olympiacos often play forward quickly, but a goalkeeper capable of circulating possession accurately can prevent opponents from committing entirely to a high press. Ortega could help the team alternate between direct distribution toward Ayoub El Kaabi and shorter progression through the centre-backs.

The potential risks concern age, salary and adaptation.

At 33, Ortega would be recruited to provide immediate security rather than future resale value. His previous Premier League compensation could make the contract expensive, while moving from a heavily possession-dominant team to the more transitional environment of Greek and qualifying-round football would require adjustment.

There is also a psychological difference between being an elite backup and the unquestioned starter at a club where every domestic mistake is magnified.

Yet those same circumstances may make the move attractive. Ortega would receive a leading role, European football and the opportunity to establish himself as a regular starter again.

The timing is crucial. Olympiacos need their new goalkeeper integrated before the Champions League meetings with NEC Nijmegen. Every day spent finalising negotiations reduces the available training time with David Carmo, Zinedin Smajlović and the full-backs.

The next confirmation threshold is clear: authorisation to travel, a medical or an announcement from either party. Until then, Ortega should be described as close—but not signed.