Journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that Sunderland have reached a £9m agreement to sign goalkeeper Roefs as he prepares to undertake his medical today in what has been a fast moving deal.
“Sunderland reach agreement with NEC Nijmegen to sign Robin Roefs as new No1 goalkeeper. Deal for 22yo Netherlands U21 international €10.5m + €3m add-ons & sell-on to #NECNijmegen. Medical today before joining #SAFC on 5yr contract.”
The Black Cats beat Lille in the race for the shot stopper with L’Équipe reporting that the club had set their sights on the Netherlands U21 star who is regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe.
He has made 42 senior appearances in the Netherlands, playing for an NEC side that finished eighth in the Dutch top-flight last season. His transfer set to be formally completed and confirmed before the weekend and he will replace Sunderland’s current No.1 Anthony Patterson who has no experience of the top flight.
Reports suggest that Sunderland would want Patterson to compete with Roefs for a starting spot next season which is a genius move from manager Régis Le Bris who will understand how important it is to have everyone in the squad performing at their best in what will be a intense relegation battle.