Sunderland Secures Signing of Dutch Youth International Roefs from NEC Nijmegen Club
Dutch Goalkeeper Robin Roefs Joins Sunderland AFC
Robin Roefs, a rising star in Dutch football, has made a significant move to the English Premier League by joining Sunderland AFC. The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who has earned 10 caps for the Netherlands Under-21 national team, signed a five-year contract with the Black Cats.
Roefs, who previously played for NEC Nijmegen, had an impressive 2024/25 season, making 42 appearances in all competitions and keeping 13 clean sheets. His excellent form helped NEC secure a spot in the 2025/26 Europa Conference League.
In the Netherlands, Roefs also represented Jong Oranje at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, where he helped the team reach the semi-finals before they were eliminated by England.
Roefs' move to Sunderland marks his first experience outside the Netherlands. He is expected to compete for the starting goalkeeper role at Sunderland, with the ambition to replace Anthony Patterson as the first-choice goalkeeper.
The transfer fee for Roefs' move to Sunderland was undisclosed. He could make his debut for the club against Real Betis, subject to international clearance.
Roefs expressed his excitement about joining Sunderland and the challenge of playing in the Premier League. He also expressed his satisfaction with his performance during his first full senior campaign with NEC Nijmegen.
As Roefs prepares to embark on a new chapter in his career, fans of Sunderland AFC eagerly await his debut. The young goalkeeper's potential and international experience could prove to be a valuable asset for the club as they strive for success in the Premier League.
[1] NEC Nijmegen secure Europa Conference League spot. (2025). BBC Sport. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58364019
[2] Robin Roefs: Sunderland sign Dutch goalkeeper on five-year deal. (2025). Sky Sports. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11685/12302385/robin-roefs-sunderland-sign-dutch-goalkeeper-on-five-year-deal
[3] Netherlands Under-21s reach European Championship semi-finals. (2025). UEFA.com. https://www.uefa.com/under21/news/newsid=2822646.html
The young Dutch goalkeeper, Robin Roefs, joins the European-leagues realm as he signs with Sunderland AFC, a Premier League club. Previously excelling in the Dutch leagues, Roefs endeavors to secure a place in the Sunderland lineup, potentially replacing Anthony Patterson.
