Sunderland’s New No.1 Roefs Reflects on Dream Move: “It Hasn’t Quite Sunk In Yet”

Sunderland’s summer signing Jasper Roefs has opened up about his whirlwind transfer from NEC Nijmegen, admitting that his move to the Premier League still feels surreal. The 22-year-old Dutch goalkeeper joined the Black Cats for a club-record fee of €10.5 million plus bonuses and has already made a strong impression in his first few weeks at the Stadium of Light.

🧤 A Fast Start in England

Roefs has started all three of Sunderland’s opening league fixtures, keeping one clean sheet and conceding just three goals. His confident performances between the posts have helped Régis Le Bris’ side secure six points from a possible nine — and earned Roefs his first senior call-up to the Netherlands national team under Ronald Koeman.

Though he didn’t feature in either of the international fixtures, Roefs was on the bench for both, marking a significant milestone in his career.

“It’s all happening very quickly, and maybe it hasn’t quite sunk in yet,” Roefs told Voetbal International. “But these are great things. I’ve had a good start at my new club. That that’s been rewarded so quickly with a place in the Dutch first team squad — that’s fantastic.”

✈️ From Nijmegen to the Premier League

Roefs, who came through NEC Nijmegen’s youth system and broke into the first team in 2021, revealed that his move to Sunderland came together rapidly after other transfer options fell through.

“I had been talking to a few clubs before, but that interest fizzled out. It didn’t look like anything was going to happen, and then Sunderland came along. Two days later, I was on a plane.”

The goalkeeper credited conversations with Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris and club officials for convincing him to make the leap.

“I had some good conversations with the manager and the directors. I was going to be the first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League — I didn’t want to miss that opportunity.”

🔮 What’s Next for Roefs?

With Sunderland aiming to establish themselves in the top flight after a bold summer of investment, Roefs looks set to play a pivotal role in their campaign. His composure, shot-stopping ability, and rapid adaptation to English football have already made him a fan favourite — and his international recognition suggests even bigger things could be on the horizon.

For now, Roefs is focused on continuing his strong form and helping Sunderland climb the table. And while the magnitude of his move may not have fully sunk in, the Dutchman is clearly embracing every moment of his Premier League journey.