Ornstein: Sunderland agree fee as new number one set to join | OneFootball

Sunderland Make Statement with Robin Roefs Signing from NEC Nijmegen

Big Investment in Goalkeeping Talent

Sunderland have reached an agreement to sign 22-year-old goalkeeper Robin Roefs from NEC Nijmegen in a deal worth over €10.5 million plus €3 million in add-ons, as reported by David Ornstein in The Athletic. The Netherlands Under-21 international is expected to undergo a medical on Wednesday ahead of finalising a five-year contract with the newly-promoted Premier League side.

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Roefs is expected to become the new number one under Regis Le Bris. The club’s willingness to invest heavily in the Dutch stopper signals a long-term vision and belief in his potential. The deal also includes a sell-on clause, ensuring NEC Nijmegen benefit from any future move.

Summer Business Gathers Pace

Should the deal complete, Roefs will become Sunderland’s seventh summer signing following the arrivals of Reinildo Mandava, Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fée, Habib Diarra and Simon Adingra. Reports also suggest a deal for Granit Xhaka is close to completion.

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Roefs made 42 appearances last season for NEC, guiding them to an eighth-place Eredivisie finish and catching the eye at the Under-21 European Championship.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This feels like a true coming-of-age moment. For years, Sunderland have spoken about ambition, about building for the future, but this move for Robin Roefs feels like the clearest expression of that intent yet.

To spend over €10.5 million on a goalkeeper, particularly a 22-year-old, speaks volumes. It shows trust in youth, in potential, and in a style of play that suits Roefs’ shot-stopping and distribution. This is not a move made out of desperation. It is a proactive signing made with clarity and confidence.

Roefs arrives with pedigree, having performed consistently for NEC Nijmegen and shown composure at the Under-21 European Championship. He is not just a prospect, he is a player ready to compete.

As for the rest of the window, the work done under Regis Le Bris has been inspiring. The potential arrival of Granit Xhaka adds experience to a group filled with energy and promise. But Roefs feels like the standout moment so far. A Premier League-ready signing with future resale value, and, more importantly, the chance to anchor this project for years to come.