Nottingham Forest have moved decisively to address their goalkeeper crisis by agreeing a deal worth up to £500,000 for Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega. Sean Dyche’s side are also pursuing Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi on an initial loan arrangement. According to Bbc.com.
Forest’s £500k Ortega deal highlights goalkeeper emergency at City Ground
The urgent need for goalkeeping reinforcement stems from John Victor’s knee injury, which will sideline the keeper for the remainder of the season. Forest had initially explored a move for Wolves’ Jose Sa before switching their focus to 33-year-old Ortega, who finds himself third choice at the Etihad behind Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford.
Ortega’s situation at City has become increasingly precarious, with the German yet to feature for Pep Guardiola’s side this season despite his previous contributions. The goalkeeper played a key role in City’s Premier League title triumph in 2024, making 22 appearances last season including the Club World Cup in July and the FA Cup final defeat by Crystal Palace.
Since joining City in 2022, Ortega has accumulated 56 games for the club but now faces an uncertain future with his contract expiring this summer. His move to Forest represents an opportunity for regular first-team football as the club navigates both domestic and European commitments this season.
Forest’s transfer activity extends beyond goalkeeping reinforcements, with the club also targeting Inter Milan’s 26-year-old midfielder Davide Frattesi on loan with an option for a permanent transfer. The Italy international, who has earned 33 caps for his country, has featured in 19 games for Inter this season.
The City Ground outfit, currently 17th in the Premier League and competing in the Europa League play-offs, have already secured Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca on loan. However, their £35m bid for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta was rejected as they continue to strengthen their squad.
