Sunderland seal Robin Roefs agreement: Dutch U21 star to replace injured Patterson | OneFootball

Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs from NEC Nijmegen.

The 22-year-old is expected to cost the newly promoted Premier League club an initial €10.5 million (£9m), with a further €3m in performance-related add-ons.

Roefs is due to undergo a medical on Wednesday before signing a five-year contract that will keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2030.

Roefs is being brought in as the long-term successor to Anthony Patterson, who is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury.

The Netherlands Under-21 international will be Sunderland’s seventh summer signing, following the arrivals of Reinildo Mandava, Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra and Simon Adingra.

Manager Regis Le Bris and sporting director Florent Ghisolfi have been tasked with reshaping the squad to meet the demands of Premier League football.

Roefs had a breakthrough campaign with NEC last season, stepping in after an injury to veteran Jasper Cillessen and quickly establishing himself as the first choice.

He made 37 appearances in all competitions, earning widespread praise for his composure, reflexes and ability to play out from the back.

His form helped NEC secure an eighth-place finish in the Eredivisie and earned him a call-up to the Dutch squad for the European Under-21 Championship earlier this summer.

He featured prominently as the Netherlands reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by England.

Sunderland beat competition from several European clubs to land Roefs, with the promise of Premier League football playing a key role in his decision.

The club had identified the goalkeeping position as a priority following their promotion and have acted swiftly to secure a solution before the new season begins.

Talks are ongoing with Bayer Leverkusen over a potential deal for midfielder Granit Xhaka, while interest remains in Leverkusen attacker Amine Adli.

Roefs’ imminent arrival offers a boost to Sunderland’s preparations and reflects their clear strategy to invest in young, high-potential talent with top-level experience.