Ajax ‘were forced to cancel’ Robin Roefs swoop before Sunderland transfer | OneFootball

Ajax explored a deal for Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs before his move to Wearside, but cancelled their pursuit after NEC Nijmegen’s valuation. According to Voetbal Primeur, NEC asked for €10 million and suggested owner Marcel Boekhoorn might want more, a price Ajax deemed too high.

Roefs later joined Sunderland for a relatively modest fee amid a busy summer of recruitment, and has rapidly become one of the Premier League’s standout early-season performers, drawing admiration at home and abroad.

On Saturday in the FA Cup third round against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, the Dutchman saved three successive penalties in a shootout win for Regis Le Bris’ side.

Le Bris said the goalkeeper is improving, is young and eager to learn, and will progress quickly with opportunities at this level. He stressed it is only the beginning for Roefs, accepted there will be ups and downs, praised his consistency, and noted his decisive role in the shootout.

Roefs has also highlighted the impact of Sunderland’s support, saying the fans are audible everywhere the team play and that home matches at the Stadium of Light generate a ferocious atmosphere across the entire ground.

Source: Sunderland Echo