Leeds United’s key rivals have signed a new treble-winning goalkeeper.
Leeds United’s relegation-battling rivals Nottingham Forest have signed an experienced new goalkeeper from Manchester City.
Ahead of the contest, Forest have announced the signing of a new goalkeeper, 33-year-old Stefan Ortega ending three-and-a-half years at Manchester City to join the club on a short term deal until the end of the season.
“The experienced goalkeeper signs from Manchester City, having played 56 times for Pep Guardiola’s team where he was part of the 2022/23 Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League treble winning squad.
“Prior to heading to the Premier League in 2022, Ortega had been plying his trade in his homeland, Germany. Having joined Arminia Bielefeld as a 15-year-old, he would go on to play 220 times across two spells, helping to guide Arminia back to the Bundesliga in 2020.
“The 33-year-old now heads to the City Ground on a permanent deal until June 2026. Everyone at Nottingham Forest welcomes Stefan to the Club, wishing him the best for his time on Trentside.”
“Fantastic experience and a winning mentality”
Forest’s global head of football, Edu Gaspar, said: “Stefan arrives here with fantastic experience and a winning mentality, having been part of such a successful team for the past few seasons.
“When it became clear the goalkeeper position was somewhere we needed to address, Stefan stood out straight away. He will provide great competition for our group of goalkeepers, and will help the team on and off the pitch.”
“The German goalkeeper moved to City from Arminia Bielefeld in July 2022 and went on to make 56 appearances for the Blues.
“In his first season, Ortega made a major contribution playing in the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup as we won a historic Treble.
“He made his debut in Europe in a 0-0 draw away to Borussia Dortmund and also started our last three Premier League games of the season.
‘An unforgettable moment during the title run-in’
“But his biggest contribution was in the FA Cup where he started every game in the competition, only conceding once – from the penalty spot in the Wembley final win over Manchester United.
“Ortega made 20 appearances the following season as we won a record fourth Premier League title and reached the FA Cup final for a second successive season.
“And he had an unforgettable moment during the title run-in when he made an incredible save to deny Son Heung-min in the dying moments of our must-win victory over Tottenham in our penultimate match of the season.
“He made another 22 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign as we returned to Wembley for the FA Cup final for a third year running.
“Everyone at Manchester City would like to wish Stefan good luck for the future and thank him for his efforts while at the Club.”
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