Robin Roefs has wasted no time making an impression at Sunderland following his summer arrival from NEC Nijmegen. The 22-year-old goalkeeper has already registered two clean sheets in his first four matches, conceding only three goals, and his strong form has earned him a maiden call-up to the Netherlands squad for September’s international fixtures.

A product of NEC’s youth academy, Roefs had previously been linked with Ajax, a path familiar to many Dutch prospects. However, his move to Wearside was confirmed on August 1st, closing the door on speculation.

NEC’s CEO Wilco van Schaik has since spoken out about misleading transfer rumours that surrounded the deal. Speaking on the FC Afkicken podcast De Bestuurskamer, relayed by Voetbal Primeur, he expressed his frustration:

“This summer there were reports that Ajax thought €6 million was too much for Robin Roefs. That figure stayed in the news for weeks, even though no amount was ever discussed. We then had to go out and explain that we would never even begin talks at six million—and suddenly that becomes another story.”

In reality, Sunderland secured Roefs for a fee reported at €10.5 million plus bonuses. For the young keeper, the transfer represents a major step forward in his career, and he has already shown signs of becoming an important figure for the Black Cats.