Sunderland goalkeeper plays down £50million Chelsea links and insists he is fully focused on his first Premier League season
Robin Roefs has responded to reports linking him with a £50million move away from Sunderland amid interest from Chelsea.
Transfer journalist Alan Nixon has claimed the Stamford Bridge club are leading the race to sign the Dutch goalkeeper but would need to meet Sunderland’s £50million valuation.
The report suggests Chelsea are in the market for a new number one and have been impressed by Roefs’ calm performances in his debut Premier League campaign. Roefs only joined Sunderland on a five-year contract in August following promotion to the top flight and has quickly established himself as first choice under Régis Le Bris, replacing Anthony Patterson between the posts.
Asked directly about the valuation and speculation, Roefs insisted he is not paying attention to the noise “I don't know. I don't know what to make of it. I don't hear anything from it from my agents. As long as I don't know anything about it, they can read or write what they want. I don't know.
“Obviously, it's a compliment, I think, if people write it about you. I'm really not into this. It's my first season in the Premier League, my first season here. I'm really enjoying every single minute of it, so I'm not thinking of anything else.”
Reports have also suggested Roefs would consider a move should Chelsea secure Champions League football, with his stock rising rapidly just months into his English career. Sunderland, however, remain in a strong negotiating position given the length of his deal and his importance to their project.
For his part, Roefs has made clear where his focus lies. “As I say, I think I enjoy every minute, especially when we play at home. But also away games, the fans are just always with us... we haven't played in the stadium yet where the atmosphere has not been like this.”
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Le Bris recently underlined just how important the goalkeeper has become. “He's key,” the head coach said. “It's fair to say that in an efficient team, you need strong players on both sides. I think the goalkeeper and the centre-backs are really important to protect the goal.
“He's young, without a lot of experience. Often you would say you need an experienced goalkeeper, because this role is really demanding, even psychologically. So he's doing really well. When you give opportunities to young players, you can be surprised. I think it's part of our identity.”
Sunderland remain in a strong negotiating position given the length of Roefs’ contract and his importance to their Premier League project under current head coach Le Bris. The Dutchman also stands a good chance of making this summer’s World Cup squad, which could further inflate his value.
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