Everton make approach to sign free agent as next transfer, response shared - report

Stefan Ortega warming up for Manchester City

Everton are looking at their goalkeeping options for next season, with Stefan Ortega on a shortlist.

The German international has spent the past four years in England after first joining Manchester City in 2022.

After three years of playing understudy for Pep Guardiola, Ortega joined Nottingham Forest last season, before becoming a free agent.

With Jordan Pickford undisputed number one at Hill Dickinson Stadium, there has been plenty of movement around him.

Tom King and Mark Travers were signed last summer, but more activity is expected in and out in the coming weeks.

That's where Ortega comes into play.

Everton make their move for Stefan Ortega

David Moyes is pushing for more signings, with not enough done so far.

But, instead of pushing the boat out, Everton are messing around in areas that don't need sorting yet.

Florian Plettenberg has now reported that the Toffees have made an approach to Ortega for his signature.

🚨🆕 Stefan Ortega is still in talks with potential new clubs.

The 33 y/o goalkeeper is fully fit and available to sign as a free agent. Ortega recently turned down approaches from Everton, Forest and Levante.

Olympiacos are now trying to sign him, while several other clubs are… pic.twitter.com/LjjXuOrzkd

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 23, 2026

What's worse, is that the keeper has turned it down, with a move to Stuttgart back in Germany now on the cards.

Forest and Levante were also turned away.

But, why are they looking so in depth at goalkeepers?

Travers is a target for the likes of Coventry and Wrexham, but they would need to offer money that gives Everton a profit to let him go so soon.

But, with Ortega now out of the race, Everton will need to broaden their search.

The Toffees need to put that on the backburner, though, they need serious reinforcements elsewhere.

Jack Grealish still hasn't been replaced, while the right-back that we've all been screaming out for hasn't been signed.

Not just that, but there hasn't even been any serious links, which is only making fans more nervous as the season approaches.

Everton need to pull a rabbit out of a hat soon, or face being left behind by those around them in the Premier League.