Nottingham Forest agree deal for Stefan Ortega and target Davide Frattesi

LONDON – Nottingham Forest are executing an aggressive, two-pronged strategy to secure their Premier League status, having agreed a deal for Manchester City’s decorated goalkeeper Stefan Ortega while simultaneously launching an ambitious bid to sign Italian international midfielder Davide Frattesi from Inter Milan. The moves signal a clear intent from the club’s ownership to provide manager Nuno Espírito Santo with the reinforcements deemed necessary to navigate a perilous relegation battle and build for the future.

The City Ground club has finalised terms with the reigning Premier League champions for Ortega in a deal understood to be worth a nominal fee of up to £500,000. In a separate and more audacious negotiation, Forest are in discussions with Serie A leaders Inter Milan to sign Frattesi on an initial loan, which would include an option for a permanent transfer.

These pursuits represent a dual approach: one a pragmatic solution to a problem position, the other a statement of ambition to acquire one of Europe’s rising midfield talents.

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Ortega Deal Finalised to Address Goalkeeping Concerns

Nottingham Forest have moved decisively to resolve their goalkeeping instability by securing the services of Stefan Ortega. The German shot-stopper provides a wealth of experience from the highest level, having served as a highly reliable deputy to Ederson at Manchester City.

Ortega, 31, has built a reputation as one of the league’s most capable second-choice keepers since his arrival at the Etihad in 2022. He has been instrumental in City's domestic cup campaigns and played a crucial role in their 2023-24 Premier League title victory, making a series of vital saves after coming on for an injured Ederson in the decisive penultimate game of the season.

Forest's urgency in the goalkeeping department stems from inconsistent performances this season from both Matt Turner, signed from Arsenal in the summer, and Odysseas Vlachodimos. Neither has been able to firmly establish themselves as the undisputed number one, prompting the club's hierarchy to seek a proven and steadying influence between the posts. The club had previously explored a deal for Wolves’ José Sá before turning their attention to the more financially viable Ortega deal.

• The Player: Stefan Ortega, a 31-year-old German goalkeeper, known for his excellent distribution and composure under pressure. He has made over 30 appearances for Manchester City, including in an FA Cup final and the FIFA Club World Cup.
• The Deal: A permanent transfer for a fee reportedly rising to £500,000. This low-cost acquisition represents astute business for a player with significant pedigree whose contract at City was entering its final months.
• The Rationale: To add immediate stability, experience, and competition to a key defensive position. Ortega’s Premier League and Champions League background is seen as critical for a team mired in 17th place and fighting for survival.

Ambitious Frattesi Pursuit Signals Intent

While the Ortega transfer is a calculated, low-risk move, Forest’s pursuit of Davide Frattesi is a clear signal of the club's long-term ambition. The 24-year-old is a highly-rated, dynamic box-to-box midfielder and a full international for Italy.

Frattesi joined Inter Milan from Sassuolo last summer and has been a key rotational player for a side competing for the Serie A title and in the UEFA Champions League, making 19 appearances across all competitions this season. Luring a player from such a competitive environment to a Premier League relegation fight presents a significant challenge, but Forest’s proposed deal structure is designed to be attractive.

The initial loan with an option to buy allows Forest to acquire a high-calibre player immediately while deferring the major financial outlay, a crucial consideration in the era of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

• The Target: Davide Frattesi, a dynamic midfielder with over a dozen caps for the Italian national team. He is known for his high energy, late runs into the box, and technical quality.
• The Structure: An initial loan provides immediate quality, while the option to make the deal permanent gives Forest flexibility and protects them financially should they fail to avoid relegation.
• The Challenge: The primary obstacle is convincing both Inter Milan to part with a valuable squad member mid-season and Frattesi himself to swap a title challenge in Italy for a survival battle in England. The allure of guaranteed playing time and the Premier League platform will be central to Forest's pitch.

Strategic Context: Survival Now, Ambition Later

These two transfers underscore a broader strategy under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who took charge in December. The club is simultaneously addressing immediate, critical needs while laying the groundwork for future growth. This aggressive January activity follows a rejected £35m bid for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and the loan acquisition of Napoli forward Lorenzo Lucca, highlighting a clear mandate from owner Evangelos Marinakis to invest in the squad.

After two years of significant transfer expenditure following their promotion, Forest's recent moves suggest a more targeted approach. The low-cost deal for Ortega and the structured loan for Frattesi are financially prudent manoeuvres that still inject significant quality into the team.

• League Position: Forest currently sit 17th in the Premier League table, just above the relegation zone, making this transfer window pivotal to their season's outcome.
• Financial Prudence: The structure of these deals reflects a growing awareness of PSR constraints across the league. Loan-to-buy deals and bargain acquisitions are becoming increasingly common tools for ambitious clubs operating within tight financial frameworks.
• Managerial Backing: These moves represent a strong vote of confidence in Nuno Espírito Santo, empowering him with players suited to his tactical system as he aims to steer the club to safety.

Implications and What's Next

For Nottingham Forest, the successful completion of both deals could transform their season. Ortega offers an immediate upgrade in a vital position, bringing a winner's mentality from the Manchester City dressing room. The potential addition of Frattesi would provide a world-class engine in midfield, adding goals, energy, and control.

For Manchester City, Ortega's departure means losing a deeply trusted and popular member of the squad. While the fee is negligible, the cost will be felt in the need to source a new, reliable backup for Ederson, a task that is often harder than it appears.

The coming days will be crucial. While the Ortega deal is agreed, finalising the complex negotiation for Frattesi will be Forest’s top priority. Securing the Italian would be a major coup and a bold statement that, despite their current league standing, Nottingham Forest’s ambitions remain undiminished.