Hannover 96 have contacted Stefan Ortega regarding a potential move to the 2. Bundesliga club, according to Kicker. The 33-year-old goalkeeper is currently a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Nottingham Forest at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Ortega’s departure from the City Ground came after a single season with the Premier League side, where he served as backup to Matt Turner. He made 14 appearances in all competitions for Forest, including 12 in the Premier League, demonstrating his readiness for first-team football when called upon. Prior to his move to England, Ortega spent seven seasons in Germany, establishing himself as a reliable performer in both the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga.
The German shot-stopper initially joined Manchester City in 2022 from Arminia Bielefeld, providing cover for Ederson. While primarily a backup at the Etihad Stadium, Ortega played a crucial role in City’s Premier League title win, making several important saves during key matches. He made six Premier League appearances for City, keeping three clean sheets, and also featured in the FA Cup.
Throughout his career in Germany, Ortega amassed significant experience, making 67 appearances in the Bundesliga and a further 170 in the 2. Bundesliga. He began his professional career with Tennis Borussia Berlin before moving to VfL Osnabrück and then Arminia Bielefeld, where he became a key figure. Hannover 96 are seeking a new first-choice goalkeeper and see Ortega’s experience and proven ability as a valuable asset.
Should Ortega complete a move to Hannover, it would represent a return to a familiar footballing environment and a potential opportunity to reclaim a starting position. The move could provide Hannover with a much-needed boost in confidence between the posts as they aim to challenge for promotion to the Bundesliga.
