Robin Roefs spotted in Sunderland kit as behind-the-scenes image emerges
Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs from NEC Nijmegen.
The Black Cats could end up paying £11.5million for the 22-year-old, who kept 10 clean sheets in the Eredivisie last season and featured at the Under-21 Euros.
Sunderland’s interest in signing a goalkeeper this season has long been reported, with Djordje Petrovic a target before the Serbian signed for Bournemouth.
And Mackem News exclusively revealed interest in a move for Manchester City shot-stopper Stefan Ortega, but decision-makers at The Stadium of Light have decided to shift their focus elsewhere.
Roefs to be announced imminently after leaked photo
Roefs is expected to be Regis Le Bris’ first-choice in between the sticks as Sunderland kick off their Premier League return.
The 22-year-old has attracted plenty of plaudits for his cat-like reflexes and stunning ability to claw away incoming shots.
Roefs, a modern-type goalkeeper, is also very capable with the ball at his feet and can often be seen chipping the ball towards his full-backs, beating the first line of the opposition press.
| Robin Roefs | Eredivisie 2024/25 (per 90) |
| Touches | 42.72 |
| Crosses stopped (%) | 11.2% |
| Long passes attempted | 17.56 |
The Dutchman caught eyes at the U21 Euros, performing well as the Netherlands fell to England in the semi-final.
And Sunderland can expect their new signing to be announced imminently, after a photo of the goalkeeper posing for the club announcement was shared on social media.
In a photo posted by W (30 July), Roefs can be seen in the Black Cats goalkeeper kit as he stands in front of a Sunderland flag.
Sunderland continue spending spree
The last month may well have felt like a dream for many Sunderland fans, who endured years of disappointment under previous owners.
Decision-makers in the North East have pulled out all the stops to bolster Le Bris’ team before the Premier League opener, bringing in a staggering eight new players so far.
Perhaps the most startling of signings, has been that of former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka.
Sunderland confirmed the 32-year-old had signed for the club on Wednesday (30 July), after a £17m fee was agreed with Bayer Leverkusen.
The Switzerland international captain made more than 200 Premier League appearances for Arsenal before his move to the Bundesliga in 2023, where he would go on to win the title.
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