Sunderland goalkeeper addresses transfer speculation after standout season draws interest from top clubs
Robin Roefs has issued a calm response to growing transfer speculation linking him with a £60million move to Chelsea following Sunderland’s 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable debut Premier League campaign after joining the Black Cats from NEC Nijmegen for an initial fee of around £9million, a deal that has since proven inspired despite the Dutchman being unknown to fans in England before the move.
Roefs has made 29 appearances this season, keeping nine clean sheets, and his performances have not gone unnoticed, with reports suggesting top clubs are now monitoring his situation ahead of the summer window. However, speaking after Sunderland’s victory over Spurs, the goalkeeper made it clear his focus remains firmly on the present.
Asked about the growing recognition around his performances, Roefs said: “No, I don't really feel any way with it. I'm just really happy with the trust I get from the team, from the coach. I'm back, and everyone just supports me so well, and they're happy that I'm back. This is, for me, really important. Within the club, within the team, they appreciate me, and that's just really nice to have. What happens outside of that, I don't really feel any type of way about it.”
Roefs’ return against Tottenham was another significant moment in his season. The goalkeeper had missed several games after picking up an injury against Bournemouth earlier in the campaign, forcing him to watch from the sidelines during a key period. In his absence, Melker Ellborg stepped in and impressed, producing assured performances as Sunderland continued to pick up results. However, Roefs’ reinstatement underlined his status as the club’s first-choice option under Régis Le Bris when fully fit.
Roefs was also quizzed directly on reports linking him with a move away from the Stadium of Light, but again played down any suggestion he is thinking about his future. “For me, it's not really time to think about these things like moving or any rumours,” he said. “As long as I don't know anything about it, I just keep on going. The way we are building here is just really, really amazing. I think being promoted and performing really well, I think we can only build on that. Let's hope next season we can continue like this.”
Sunderland’s progression this season has been one of the stories of the campaign, with Régis Le Bris’ side firmly in the mix for a top-half finish and even a potential European place heading into the final six games. And Roefs believes there is more to come from the project on Wearside. “I hope so, yes,” he added, when asked if this is just the start of Sunderland’s journey.
The goalkeeper also admitted he has one eye on a potential international breakthrough, with the World Cup on the horizon. “Yes, I just hope I can continue like this for the last six games, and hopefully I can come with the national team to the World Cup. It would be a dream come true.”
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