Robin Roefs regret emerges already as Sunderland spark transfer deadline day fury
Sunderland’s relationship with Nijmegen suffered a blow on deadline day.
With the international break upon us, fans have time to analyse the transfer business done by their side throughout the summer, and for those on Wearside, there is plenty of it.
15 new arrivals checked in at Sunderland over the course of the window, with an additional 12 players moved on, many of whom have departed on loan.
One of those to have left is Jenson Seelt, who, despite starting the season in good form, was afforded a loan move in search of regular first-team football, though his destination has caused an issue.
Jenson Seelt joined Wolfsburg on loan on deadline day
Seelt had a very good start to the season for Sunderland, though the additions of Nordi Mukiele and Lutsharel Geertruida forced him down the pecking order.
As a result, the Dutchman left the Stadium of Light to spend the season at Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, and that is where the fury starts.
A promise was made with Nijmegen that Robin Roefs’ arrival at Sunderland would be met with Seelt’s move to Nijmegen, though that proved not to be the case, with regrets over the deal involving Roefs already emerging.
Speaking to Dutch news outlet VI on 2 September, Nijmegen’s general manager Wilco van Schaik said: “We closed the deal with Roefs, and then we also made a verbal agreement with Sunderland that we would acquire Seelt for this amount.
- Three Premier League appearances
- 83.3 per cent aerial duels won
- 71.4 per cent duels won
- 88.1 per cent pass accuracy
“They said they’d keep him for a while because he had to play. Okay, no problem. But it took forever. Last Sunday, they said they had so many injuries that it wasn’t allowed anymore.
“Suddenly, we saw him yesterday afternoon in the Wolfsburg shirt. That’s not how you do business. This is the ugly side of football. I’ve never seen Carlos so angry.
“He texted them this morning, saying he regretted selling Roefs to them. That’s not how you do business.”
Sunderland must maintain healthy relationships abroad
Marc Guiu’s deadline day return to Chelsea was a concern, though it certainly serves as a benefit in the future.
Sunderland have built a relationship with the Blues that will almost certainly put them in good standing for deals down the line.
However, any business between the Black Cats and Nijmegen certainly seems like a fantasy at this point, with Seelt’s saga causing unrest.
Not only is it beneficial for incoming business, but also for outgoings, with Sunderland almost certainly going to be on the lookout for potential destinations to allow their youngsters to develop.
Given the nature of football, and especially on deadline day, Sunderland can’t be held too accountable, as things can change in the blink of an eye, and that seems to have been the case here.
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