Lille’s ongoing quest for a new goalkeeper has encountered a setback. The French club, which had reportedly targeted Dutch U21 international Robin Roefs (22), as initially reported by L`Équipe, will now have to re-evaluate their options. According to journalist David Ornstein, the promising shot-stopper is instead poised to join Sunderland AFC.
Sunderland has successfully finalized an agreement with NEC Nijmegen for Roefs, with the transfer fee reportedly set at €10.5 million, potentially rising to €13.5 million with performance-based add-ons, and including a sell-on clause. The goalkeeper is slated to undergo his medical examination today, after which he is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Premier League club.
Lille`s urgent need for a new custodian arises from the anticipated departure of Lucas Chevalier (23), who is widely expected to make a move to UEFA Champions League victors Paris Saint-Germain. The France international has reportedly already agreed to personal terms with PSG, though an official transfer offer from the Parisian club has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Despite missing out on Roefs, Lille is actively exploring a variety of alternatives. Reports suggest they have commenced discussions with Tottenham Hotspur regarding a potential loan deal for Czech goalkeeper Antonín Kinský (22). Other goalkeepers linked with a move to Lille include Olympique Marseille’s Jeffrey de Lange and Toulouse FC’s Guillaume Restes.