Sunderland Snap Up This Eredivisie Star As Their New ‘Number 1’: Another Exciting Signing For The Black Cats? | OneFootball

If a recent report from The Athletic’s renowned journalist David Ornstein is believed to be true, the Premier League newcomers Sunderland have struck a deal with NEC Nijmegen for their talented goalkeeper Robin Roefs. They would pay €13.5m, including add-ons & sell-on clauses, to have him at the Stadium of Light on a five-year contract.

The 22-year-old Netherlands U21 international progressed through the academy ranks of VV Heeswijk and NEC before breaking into the latter’s senior squad in 2023. After featuring as the understudy to Jasper Cillessen throughout the 2023-24 campaign, Roefs were promoted as the first-choice since last summer following the veteran Dutchman’s move to Las Palmas.

The highly-rated custodian made 32 Eredivisie appearances, as the Nijmegen-based outfit finished eighth in the league standings. But he is now set for a fresh challenge away from his homeland with the Black Cats, who are bolstering themselves significantly under Regis Le Bris upon their dramatic promotion via playoffs.

A Smart Move From Sunderland

Meanwhile, Anthony Patterson has kept his place in the Sunderland goal since their League One days. Veteran Simon Moore was brought in last summer as the understudy to the homegrown star, but the quality and standard of Premier League football could be colossal for the goalkeeping duo.

BANSKA BYSTRICA, SLOVAKIA – OCTOBER 12: Armindo Sieb of Germany U19 (L) in action against YYYGoalkeeper Robin Roefs of Netherlands U19 during the Four Nations Tournament match between Germany U19 and Netherlands U19 at Stadion SNP on October 12, 2021 in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

Moore, 35, has featured extensively during their ongoing pre-season fixtures amid Patterson’s injury absence. Le Bris expects him to be available for their opening gameweek clash against West Ham United, yet his lack of top-flight experience further demonstrates the necessity of having a new shot-stopper in their battle for survival at the backend of the upcoming campaign.

The Wearsiders were previously after Marcin Bulka and  Djordje Petrovic, who left for NEOM SC and Bournemouth, respectively. They also reached out to Shakhtar Donetsk for Dmytro Riznyk, but the signing of Roefs must have resolved their goalkeeper conundrum, putting all speculations and rumours to bed.

What He Would Bring In Mackems’ Goal

Despite losing Tom Watson and Jobe Bellingham to Brighton & Hove Allbion and Borussia Dortmund, Sunderland have spent closer to £125m already to strengthen the squad. They are blessed with several exciting young prospects, but the addition of Granit Xhaka and Reinildo Mandava would offer a balance between youth and experience.

Robin Roefs, nevertheless, only made 42 senior appearances so far in his career. But the Black Cats are banking on his potential, as depicted so far with his shot-stopping ability, outing and the composure on one-on-one situations. His arrival should be announced by this weekend, and it remains to be seen whether the gaffer hands him an immediate starting status between the sticks.