Forest close in on Man City’s Ortega as Romano signals deal is on
Fabrizio Romano has sounded the klaxon: Nottingham Forest are on the verge of landing Manchester City’s deputy No 1, Stefan Ortega. An agreement in principle is in place for a permanent move, with the German expected to sign a short-term deal at the City Ground and head for his medical ahead of Monday’s cut-off. Forest are confident of getting it over the line before the window slams shut.
Romano’s update and the state of play
Romano, posting on X, says Ortega is set to swap the champions’ bench for Trentside. The 33-year-old hasn’t featured under Pep Guardiola this season as City reshaped their goalkeeping pecking order. Reports have even suggested summer arrivals for Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford, a shuffle that has nudged Ortega towards the exit door.
Why Forest want Ortega
Simple: experience and calm. Forest need a steady head between the sticks for the run-in, and Ortega’s CV ticks the boxes. He last turned out for City at the Club World Cup, keeping things tidy in a 6-0 cruise against Al-Ain. The season before, he racked up 21 appearances deputising while Ederson was sidelined and, according to the reporting around this move, the Brazilian later departed for Fenerbahce before this campaign.
For Nuno’s side, this looks a savvy mid-season play. Ortega is a sharp shot-stopper, quick off his line, and composed with the ball at his feet—ideal for a team that wants to build but can’t afford frayed nerves at the back.
Forest’s January so far
Ortega would be Forest’s second arrival of the window after striker Lorenzo Lucca, who came in from Napoli on loan with an option to buy. Add a seasoned goalkeeper to that and you’ve got balance: presence up top, assurance at the back. If you’re eyeing the odds around Forest’s survival tilt and mid-table ambitions, the best betting sites will be alive to this move’s impact.
What it means for Man City
City’s goalkeeping carousel keeps spinning. With the hierarchy shifting over the past six months—and with Donnarumma and Trafford both reported to have arrived last summer—Ortega’s exit would underline a full-scale reshuffle at the Etihad. Guardiola rarely blinks at big calls; this would be another step in a broader retooling between the posts.
The pundit’s verdict
On paper, it’s good business all round. Forest get a proven, unflappable goalkeeper to steady the ship in the most decisive stretch of the season. Ortega gets regular minutes in the Premier League. And City streamline their revamped department. Now it’s down to the medical and the paperwork—classic deadline-week stuff. If Forest seal it, Trentside will feel that bit safer every time a cross swings into the six-yard box.
