Sunderland have agreed a deal to sign Robin Roefs from NEC Nijmegen as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.
The Netherlands U21 international will join the Black Cats in a transfer worth €10.5 million (£9m) plus a potential €3m in add-ons, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. The agreement also includes a sell-on clause for NEC.
Roefs is scheduled to undergo a medical today (Wednesday) and will sign a five-year contract to become Sunderland’s new first-choice goalkeeper for the 2025/26 campaign.
The 22-year-old becomes the seventh signing of a huge summer rebuild under Regis Le Bris, with Sunderland making serious moves to establish themselves in the top flight.
Who Is Robin Roefs — And Why Is He Sunderland’s Pick?
Roefs is a product of NEC’s academy and has made 42 first-team appearances, helping the Dutch side to an impressive eighth-place finish in the Eredivisie last season.
At 6’4”, he’s a commanding shot-stopper known for his reflex saves, modern distribution, and vocal leadership — all traits vital for a newly promoted side seeking Premier League survival.
“Roefs has the mentality and build of a Premier League keeper. It’s a smart investment from Sunderland.” — Voetbal International (NL)
He also impressed for the Netherlands at the U21 Euros, starting in every match up to the semi-final where they were beaten by England.
Sunderland Summer Spending Hits €92m After Roefs Deal
The arrival of Robin Roefs adds to a growing list of ambitious signings this window. Sunderland have now spent approximately €92 million (£78m) on new recruits, showing clear intent following their promotion from the Championship.
Here’s a breakdown of their reported summer signings:
Approximate total committed: €92m (excluding add-ons & pending Xhaka deal)
Player
From
Reported Fee
Reinildo Mandava
Atlético Madrid
€6m
Chemsdine Talbi
Standard Liège
€4.5m
Noah Sadiki
Union SG
€3.5m
Enzo Le Fée
Rennes
€22m
Habib Diarra
Strasbourg
€21m
Simon Adingra
Brighton (Loan?)
Loan or Option
Robin Roefs
NEC Nijmegen
€10.5m + €3m
(Xhaka – close)
Bayer Leverkusen
~€22m (TBC)
Analyst Verdict: Sunderland’s Squad Looks Premier League-Ready
This isn’t panic spending — it’s smart, targeted squad-building.
With Robin Roefs arriving alongside Le Fée, Diarra, and potentially Xhaka, Sunderland are crafting a spine built to survive — and even thrive — in the top flight. The recruitment under Regis Le Bris shows a clear identity: ball-playing, high-tempo, and fearless.
Roefs, at just 22, offers Premier League potential and resale value. But more importantly, he’s ready to start now. For a newly promoted club, that blend of readiness and upside is rare — and exactly what Sunderland need.
Key Insights
- Sunderland sign Robin Roefs for €10.5m + €3m add-ons.
- He becomes the club’s new No.1 goalkeeper.
- The Black Cats have now spent around €92m this summer.
- Roefs has 42 senior appearances and U21 Euros pedigree.
- Sunderland are showing serious ambition in their first season back in the Premier League.
What’s Next for Sunderland After Roefs?
All eyes now turn to Granit Xhaka, with the ex-Arsenal midfielder said to be close to finalising his move from Bayer Leverkusen. That deal could take Sunderland’s summer spend well past the €100m mark.
There’s also a question of outgoings — with so many fresh faces arriving, fringe players may move on before the deadline.
But the message is clear: Sunderland aren’t here to scrape by. They’re here to stay.
Are Sunderland Building the Most Exciting Promoted Squad?
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