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Posted on February 23, 2026 11:00 pm | Updated on February 23, 2026 5:59 pm
Chelsea are now eyeing a move to sign Premier League goalkeeper Robin Roefs from Sunderland this summer. The noise around Stamford Bridge had cooled, especially with Robert Sanchez finding rhythm again. But, just when it felt settled, a fresh report has stirred serious debate. The Blues are back in the transfer market and this time the name in focus has got everyone surprised.
Chelsea Keeping Tabs On Emerging Premier League Goalkeeper
Chelsea have been linked with Sunderland’s towering 6ft 4in goalkeeper Robin Roefs, as per reports. The Blues are exploring a deal ahead of the summer window. In addition, the Black Cats are open to talks if the right offer lands as well.
The reported price for the keeper stands at around £50 million. That is not a small investment for a player who is still growing into his role. The newly promoted Premier League side clearly value him highly and believe they hold strong cards in negotiations. Roefs himself would reportedly welcome the step up. This comes especially if European football becomes part of the deal.
The move is not being framed as depth or future planning. The suggestion is that the shot stopper could arrive as the new first choice. That changes the entire tone of the conversation. It raises questions about Chelsea’s current goalkeeping pecking order too.
Chelsea are monitoring Sunderland shot-stopper Robin Roefs.
Reports claim the North East side value the goalkeeper at around £50 million, with journalist Alan Nixon highlighting the Blues’ growing interest.
If that price is accurate, should Chelsea make a move or look… pic.twitter.com/gLoLATbbLq
— ChelsHub (@chelshubMedia) February 22, 2026
Robert Sanchez’s Future Is In The Air
Robert Sanchez has worked hard to steady his form. After criticism earlier in the season, he responded with solid displays and regained trust within the squad. The talks about replacing him had faded. Many believed the Blues would focus on other areas once the season ends.
Now, the idea that Roefs could come in to replace Sanchez is adding pressure. It suggests the club may still be unconvinced about long term stability in goal. For a goalkeeper, confidence and clarity matter as much as reflexes.
Sanchez will not want distractions, especially with key fixtures still to play. But this is the reality of top level football. At top clubs like Chelsea, competition never lets any player take things for granted. If the board truly sees Roefs as a new number one, Sanchez faces a defining period. Performances from now until the summer could shape his future.
Filip Jorgensen Situation Adds Fresh Transfer Twist
While much of the focus sits on Sanchez, there is another player who might be sidelined. Filip Jorgensen has barely featured in recent months. For a young goalkeeper with ambition, sitting on the bench long term never helps. If his role does not change, a summer exit feels very much on the cards.
The west London club would then need to bring someone in to maintain depth. Things that might be of concern are the scale of the reported fee and the suggestion that Roefs would not simply replace Jorgensen. Spending £50 million on a backup would raise doubts across the league.
There is also the question of Roefs himself agreeing to join if the path to regular football is unclear. Keepers grow on minutes and rhythm. If Chelsea are serious, they must offer clarity about his role. The club cannot afford confusion in such a key position in the squad.
For now, everything depends on internal decisions and summer strategy. Chelsea have shown in recent windows that they are not afraid to invest heavily in young talent. That said, the Sunderland shot stopper Robin Roefs fits that profile.
The coming weeks will tell whether this interest turns into a formal bid or remains just talks. One thing is clear at the moment, the goalkeeping situation at Stamford Bridge is far from settled.
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