Nottingham Forest agree fee for Man City’s Stefan Ortega; medical scheduled for today | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest are closing in on the signing of Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega as the January transfer window nears its conclusion.

The 33-year-old is expected to arrive at the City Ground on a short-term deal, with the transfer believed to be worth around £500,000.

Forest are hopeful of completing the move on Saturday, although Ortega will not be registered in time to feature against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The pursuit of a goalkeeper has become a priority for Forest following a serious knee injury to John Victor.

The Brazilian is set to miss the remainder of the season, leaving Matz Sels as the club’s only senior option.

Forest have been keen to add experience and competition rather than relying on untested cover during the second half of the campaign.

Attention had previously turned towards Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Jose Sa.

However, talks have since shifted decisively towards Ortega, whose situation at Manchester City has made a deal achievable.

Ortega is out of contract at the Etihad Stadium in the summer and has not made a single Premier League appearance this season.

The German goalkeeper has slipped down the pecking order following City’s summer recruitment.

The arrivals of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain and James Trafford from Burnley further limited his opportunities.

Ortega last featured competitively during Manchester City’s Club World Cup campaign and has not been named in a league matchday squad since the opening weekend.

Despite his lack of recent football, his reputation remains strong.

Ortega made 22 appearances in all competitions during the 2023–24 season and played nine times as City secured the Premier League title.

He was notably involved in the decisive final-day victory over West Ham United that confirmed the championship.

Ortega began his career in Germany with 1860 Munich before establishing himself at Arminia Bielefeld.

He joined Manchester City in 2022 and proved a dependable deputy during his time at the club.

The proposed five-month contract would take Ortega through to the end of the season.

It also offers Forest flexibility beyond the summer without committing to a long-term arrangement.

From Manchester City’s perspective, the move allows a respected squad player to seek regular football.

Forest, meanwhile, gain experience and reassurance during a demanding run of fixtures.

The deal is now expected to be finalised following a medical.

If completed, Ortega would become Forest’s latest addition in a window focused on pragmatic reinforcements.

For a side keen to avoid disruption, this is a move designed to provide calm rather than headlines.