Sunderland’s capture of Robin Roefs from NEC has been described as a major coup, with his former coaches insisting the 22-year-old goalkeeper has the quality to reach the very top.
The Black Cats acted quickly this summer, paying €10.5m to bring Roefs in as competition for Anthony Patterson ahead of their Premier League return. The move surprised many in the Netherlands, particularly as Ajax had been heavily linked with the player earlier in the window.
Instead, Ajax opted to sign Vyteszlav Jaros and Joeri Heerkens, leaving Sunderland to swoop for a goalkeeper who had long been touted as a future Eredivisie star. Roefs will now have the chance to prove himself in England’s top flight, where strong performances could accelerate his path toward international recognition.
Former Coaches Back Roefs to Shine
NEC goalkeeping coach Marco van Duin says he’s not shocked by the transfer fee or Sunderland’s interest, but is baffled Ajax didn’t act.
“I think the top Dutch clubs have been sleeping on Robin. Ajax should have just picked him up; then they would have had a good goalkeeper for years to come. Robin is a goldmine.” — Marco van Duin, Voetbal International
He believes that despite his age, Roefs already has the attributes of a “true Ajax goalkeeper” and predicts a future call-up to the Netherlands national team.
NEC youth goalkeeping coach Wilfried Brookhuis shares that view:
“I’m surprised that Ajax or PSV didn’t follow through. Sunderland are now buying him for a fee we consider enormous in the Netherlands, but he has enormous potential.” — Wilfried Brookhuis
Robin Roefs’s 2024/25 Eredivisie performance statistics for NEC:
| Stat (2024/25) | Robin Roefs |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 32 |
| Clean Sheets | 10 |
| Saves per Match | 3.5 |
| Save Percentage | 72.8 % |
Analyst Verdict
Roefs fits the mould of a modern Premier League goalkeeper — commanding in the box, comfortable with the ball at his feet, and quick off his line. Sunderland’s move signals ambition not just to survive in the top flight, but to secure young, high-upside talent before Europe’s biggest clubs re-enter the race.
Key Insights
- Sunderland paid €10.5m to sign Roefs from NEC.
- Ajax had early interest but signed two other keepers instead.
- Former coaches tip him for Dutch national team duty.
- Expected to compete immediately with Patterson at Sunderland.
What’s Next
Roefs will link up with Sunderland’s squad ahead of the Premier League season and is expected to feature in pre-season friendlies to integrate into Régis Le Bris’s system. If he adapts quickly, Ajax’s decision not to sign him could look like a major missed opportunity.
Will Roefs become Sunderland’s long-term No.1 — or will Ajax come calling again in the future?
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