Chelsea will be clear to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs in the summer transfer window as a 'secret' clause has now emerged, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The Blues could be in the market for a new goalkeeper later this year, with uncertainty surrounding their situation between the sticks this season.
Liam Rosenior opted to drop Robert Sanchez for Filip Jorgensen a few weeks ago, but with the latter now injured, the former is back in goal.
Sanchez made a couple of mistakes against Everton last time out in a 3-0 defeat, with one of those being costly as he spilled a Beto strike into the back of the net.
Chelsea Eyeing New Goalkeeper This Summer
robin roefs
According to a report from journalist Nixon, Chelsea are eyeing a move to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Roefs in the summer transfer window.
The west London club will be clear to secure his signature later this year after a 'secret' and undisclosed clause has emerged in his contract, which could be in the region of £40m.
Sunderland would be willing to sell the goalkeeper, whether that be at the price of the clause or not, with the Black Cats working on a sell-to-buy model.
Roefs, who has been described as 'remarkable' and 'one of the signings of the season' by the BBC, has enjoyed an impressive start to life in the Premier League, so it's no surprise that clubs are starting to show an interest.
Chelsea Need Additions All Over the Pitch
Liam Rosenior
It's been a disappointing season for Chelsea, and after their latest defeat against Everton, they are now in serious danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League.
Rosenior is likely under serious pressure to turn things around fast, but there's no doubt they need to bring in some new additions for next season, whoever the manager may be.
Chelsea's recent recruitment strategy has been to sign up-and-coming stars from around the world, but that has left their squad with a lack of experienced heads.
If they want to be competing for Premier League titles, some older players who have been there and done it may be necessary.
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Is Roefs an Upgrade on Sanchez?
Sunderland's Robin Roefs
Premier League - Sunderland v Aston Villa - Stadium of Light, Sunderland, Britain - September 21, 2025 Sunderland's Robin Roefs reacts Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT whether Roefs would be an upgrade on Sanchez for Chelsea.
Robert Sánchez offers Premier League experience and has handled sustained pressure at a Big Six club.
Strong reflex shot-stopper but prone to concentration lapses and rebound control issues.
Distribution is inconsistent; long passing lacks precision for build-up structures.
Command of area can be hesitant against aerially dominant sides.
Robin Roefs profiles as a modern, proactive keeper with sharper footwork and cleaner handling.
More composed distributor, better suited to positional build-up and circulation phases.
Younger with higher developmental ceiling but limited elite-level sample size.
For Chelsea FC: Roefs = higher upside; Sánchez = safer short-term option.