Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Fri 17 April 2026 10:15, UK

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Neco Williams has made his feelings clear over Stefan Ortega’s future after the goalkeeper played a key role in Nottingham Forest‘s win over Porto.

The Reds have reached their first European semi-final for the first time in 42 years, with Morgan Gibbs-White’s first-half goal enough to seal a 2-1 aggregate win at the City Ground on Thursday, 16 April.

Williams was also massively involved, grabbing the assist for the game’s only goal, but there was one major absentee in Elliot Anderson, who was grieving the sudden loss of his mother.

Despite a great start to life with the Reds, Ortega’s future remains up in the air ahead of the summer transfer window, having only signed a six-month contract when joining from Man City in the winter.

Neco Williams makes his feelings clear about his goalkeeper

It was the German’s third clean sheet since joining the Tricky Trees, and with Matz Sels heavily linked with a move away, it is clear how the dressing room feels about the shot-stopper extending his stay.

Taking to Instagram (16 April), Williams wrote: “Semi-final,” with three saluting emojis, continuing, “That win was for you, El, a true inspiration to every one of us,” with a love heart emoji.

Amongst likes from Morgan Rogers, Andy Robertson and Chris Wood, Ortega replied to the post, “What a player,” to which the right-back instantly responded with pen, contract and finger pointing emojis.

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What do Nottingham Forest have planned for Stefan Ortega?

Vitor Pereira has faced plenty of competition between the sticks since Ortega’s arrival, and that appears to be too much for the goalkeeper, who was used to the bench at the Etihad Stadium.

Despite his performances, Football Insider understands that Forest have no plans to extend Ortega’s deal, with Sels still seen as the club’s first-choice shot-stopper should they survive the relegation battle.

The 33-year-old is believed to still want consistent minutes at the top level, which is likely to see him leave the City Ground this summer, rather than take the starting gloves more permanently.

It would certainly be a shame, with the supporters already warming to the goalkeeper this season, but it would appear that the Tricky Trees have already made up their minds on his future.