Sunderland signed the shot-stopper for a bargain fee in the summer
Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs has been one of the standout performers for the Black Cats this season.
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Sunderland might have to forfeit a significant part of any fee they should receive for goalkeeper Robin Roefs if he is sold this summer.
His former club NEC Nijmegen could be in line for a significant financial windfall, according to reports in the Netherlands.
Dutch outlet Voetbal 4 U claims the Eredivisie side are closely monitoring Roefs’ situation on Wearside due to a sizeable sell-on clause included in last year’s transfer, which could trigger if Sunderland sanctions a sale this summer.
Roefs joined Sunderland from NEC for an initial sum of around £9million before add-ons, a fee that was considered substantial at the time. However, after an impressive first season in the Premier League, the 23-year-old is now linked with a move worth around £60million, with Chelsea reportedly heading the queue.
The report states NEC negotiated a clause entitling them to approximately 10 per cent of any profit Sunderland make on a future sale. Based on those figures, Sunderland would stand to make a profit of around £51million if Roefs were sold for £60million. That would see NEC receive close to £5million from the sell-on clause alone.
Roefs’ rise has not gone unnoticed, with several clubs credited with interest ahead of the summer window.
Chelsea, in particular, are looking to add a new goalkeeper to their ranks in the summer, having run out of patience with Robert Sanchez. The Spanish goalkeeper has been heavily criticised for his inconsistent performances this season.
The Stamford Bridge side have been linked with a number of shot-stoppers around Europe, including Roefs. Other reported targets include Manchester City star James Trafford and AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar.
Newcastle have also been linked with both goalkeepers as they look to find a replacement for Nick Pope.
Roefs has kept a fantastic eight clean sheets for Sunderland this season after emerging as one of the best keepers in the Premier League, helping Sunderland towards a top-half finish.
He has a 72.2% save percentage too, with only Gianluigi Donnarumma and Emiliano Martínez recording higher percentages in the top flight.
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