Nottingham Forest: Europa League success could see Vitor Pereira make Stefan Ortega U-turn
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Credit: Imago Thu 16 April 2026 13:15, UK Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira should change his mind about Stefan Ortega’s future if he continues to help them progress towards the latter stages of the Europa League. Ortega joined Forest from Man City in January after failing to make an appearance in the first half of the campaign.He made his Reds debut under Sean Dyche against Leeds on 6 February and has since gone on to make seven appearances, with a particularly impressive showing against Porto last week.Despite his decent showings, Forest are not set to extend his contract beyond the summer after he only signed a short-term deal following his winter move.Ortega looks set to leave as Forest plan to sign a new keeper in the next window, but further progression in the Europa League would surely push Pereira into keeping him on past this season. 🔄 Nottingham Forest Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on signings, departures, and contract news from the Nottingham Forest boardroom.
VISIT THE FOREST TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Stefan Ortega is playing for his future in the Europa LeagueSources exclusively told Football Insider last week that Forest are not planning to keep Ortega and Pereira wants Matz Sels to be his number one if they survive in the Premier League.He then went on to shine in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Porto, making seven saves and preventing 1.98 expected goals as they came away with a 1-1 draw.Appearances4Goals conceded4Clean sheets1Save percentage77.8%Saves per 903.23Expected goals prevented2.36Ortega’s Europa League stats at ForestHe has barely put a foot wrong in the competition so far, with other key showings against Fenerbahce and Midtjylland to help the Reds to this late stage.Sels has continued to be preferred in league games by Pereira, but has largely flattered to deceive this season and has certainly not shown the form that won him the Premier League Golden Glove last term.Ortega looks set for another start as Forest aim to progress in the Europa League against Porto, and he could well earn a new contract at the City Ground if his strong form continues and they go all the way in the competition.What is Sels’ contract situation like amid Club Brugge interest?Sels signed a new contract last summer to keep him tied to Forest until 2027 after he played every league game last season in their fantastic campaign under Nuno Espirito Santo.His performances have certainly dropped off this season compared to the last, however, and his own future at the club seems uncertain after recent reports.Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws reported earlier this month that Club Brugge are interested in snapping Sels up this summer after a lacklustre campaign at the City Ground.He could well decide to move on if they are relegated from the top flight, with Ortega then in an even better position to earn a new contract, provided he is content to play in the second tier. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Nottingham Forest Insider Access Get the full story from the City Ground and the Forest Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the banks of the River Trent.