The record transfer of Robin Roefs to Sunderland is final. The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who had his breakthrough season at NEC last season, has signed for five years at the Stadium of Light.
“It feels really good to have signed for Sunderland. I am proud to join such a big club with a rich history and I look forward to the challenge ahead of me in the Premier League,” Roefs said about his transfer on Sunderland’s website.
“Last season was my first real experience as a goalkeeper in professional football and I was happy with how it went, especially with the statistics at the end of the season. It’s really special to be part of this journey at a club like Sunderland.”
NEC will reportedly receive around 10.5 million euros for the goalkeeper. In addition, NEC would also have stipulated 3 million euros in bonuses and a resale percentage. The transfer fee is more than half of NEC’s budget, which is just over 20 million euros. Roefs still had a three-year contract in Nijmegen.
“The most important contribution, however, was made by Roefs himself, by working on his development every day and training very hard. We are proud of Robin and wish him every success at Sunderland in the Premier League, the best competition in the world.”
Successor to Cillessen
Roefs impressed at NEC last season, where he succeeded Jasper Cillessen in goal. The player was also the first goalkeeper of Young Oranje at the won youth European Championship in Slovakia this summer.
Sunderland promoted from the Championship last season. The club will start the Premier League in just over two weeks with a home game against West Ham United.