West Ham have been offered the opportunity to sign Manchester City's 33-year-old German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega after their initial enquiry for James Trafford was turned down. Manchester City were reluctant to let Trafford leave but proposed Ortega as an alternative. The goalkeeper's contract is due to expire at the end of the season, which could encourage a permanent move.
However, Celtic are also competing to sign him and are now considered a leading contender. Ortega joined Manchester City from Arminia Bielefeld on a free transfer in July 2022. According to Transfermarkt, he has a current market value of €5.00m. He is yet to be capped by the German national team. In July 2025, Fenerbahçe was reportedly preparing an offer between €3 million and €4 million.
