West Ham Targets Stefan Ortega Transfer Amid Alphonse Areola Update – Exclusive

West Ham United is actively pursuing a transfer deal for Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. This development comes amid rumors regarding the potential exit of Alphonse Areola from the club.

Current Transfer Activity

On January 29, 2026, reports surfaced indicating Ortega is among the top targets for West Ham. The Hammers recently announced the signing of Adama Traore, bringing their total winter signings to three.

Nuno Espirito Santo, the current manager, is keen on adding more players to strengthen the squad before the transfer deadline on February 2, 2026. With Areola potentially leaving, West Ham is keen to secure a reliable replacement.

Potential Transfer Details

West Ham has previously been offered the chance to sign Ortega, and they are reconsidering the opportunity should negotiations for Antonin Kinsky fall through. Areola’s impending move to Besiktas is reportedly close to completion.

Ortega has mostly been a backup at Manchester City. However, he has demonstrated his capabilities whenever called upon. With James Trafford now serving as the second choice to Gianluigi Donnarumma, Ortega’s need to stay at City is less critical.

Performance Comparison

Areola has had a solid performance record at West Ham, but his distribution issues have raised concerns. His passing accuracy stands at just 46.5%, the worst among Premier League goalkeepers this season.

In contrast, Ortega boasted a 79.4% passing accuracy in the last Premier League season and performed well in the FA Cup with an 82% success rate in passing. Nonetheless, the differences in their save percentages must also be considered when evaluating potential transfers.

• Stefan Ortega:
  • Passing Accuracy: 79.4% (Premier League)
  • FA Cup Passing Accuracy: 82%
• Alphonse Areola:
  • Passing Accuracy: 46.5% (Premier League)

Ortega’s skill set may offer West Ham an advantage in goalkeeping, addressing the distribution concerns that have occasionally hindered Areola’s performance.

Looking Ahead

As the transfer window approaches its close, West Ham remains vigilant in exploring various options to ensure they secure the right goalkeeper ahead of the deadline.

Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on developments surrounding both Ortega and Areola in the coming days.