Sunderland have signed goalkeeper Robin Roefs from Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen, with the Dutchman agreeing a five-year contract.
The 22-year-old becomes Sunderland's eighth addition of the transfer window, following the arrivals of Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo, Chemsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra and Granit Xhaka as Regis Le Bris prepares for the club's first Premier League season since 2016/17.
"Joining such a big Club with a rich history is a proud moment for me, and I’m excited for the challenge ahead in the Premier League," Roefs said in his first Sunderland interview.
"Last season was my first real experience as a senior goalkeeper, and I was happy with how it went, especially with the stats at the end of the campaign."
Roefs’ career so far
Born in Heeswijk, Netherlands, Roefs began his career with VV Heeswijk before joining NEC Nijmegen in 2014.
He established himself as their first-choice goakeeper last season, making 42 appearances in all competitions and keeping 13 clean sheets as NEC Nijmegen secured an eighth-place finish in the Eredivisie.
On the international stage, Roefs was among the standout performers at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship for the Netherlands, helping his side reach the semi-finals before falling to eventual winners England.
Roefs joins Anthony Patterson, Simon Moore and Blondy Nna Noukeu as goalkeeping options at the Stadium of Light.
When could Roefs feature for Sunderland?
Sunderland fans could get a first glimpse of Roefs in pre-season action against Spanish side Real Betis on 2 August.
The Black Cats start their 2025/26 Premier League campaign at home to West Ham United on 16 August.