Roefs, a 22-year-old Netherlands international who spent the first part of the summer representing his country at the European Under-21 Championships, has signed a five-year deal on Wearside.
Sunderland agreed an initial payment of £9.5m with Nijmegen, with a further £2.5m of add-ons also forming part of the transfer agreement.
Having joined the youth ranks of Nijmegen from his hometown club VV Heeswijk, Roefs enjoyed a breakthrough season in the Dutch top-flight last term.
He made 32 Eredivisie appearances, keeping ten clean sheets, as NEC finished in eighth position, securing their qualification for the UEFA Conference League.
“It feels really good to have signed for Sunderland,” said Roefs. “Joining such a big club with a rich history is a proud moment for me, and I’m excited for the challenge ahead in the Premier League.
“Last season was my first real experience as a senior goalkeeper, and I was happy with how it went, especially with the stats at the end of the campaign. To be part of this journey at a club like Sunderland is really special, and I’m looking forward to the campaign ahead.”
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Roefs’ arrival ends a summer-long search for a new goalkeeper that saw Sunderland fail in pervious approaches to Marcin Bulka, who joined Saudi Arabian side Neom FC, and Djordje Petrovic, who headed for Bournemouth after leaving Chelsea.
Roefs was always on the Black Cats’ radar though, with his five performances at this summer’s Under-21 Euros having cemented his reputation as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Europe.
His move to Wearside will raise inevitable questions over the future of Anthony Patterson, the homegrown 25-year-old who was Sunderland’s first-choice goalkeeper as they won promotion from the Championship last season.
Patterson, who is currently sidelined through injury and not expected to be involved in tomorrow’s pre-season game with Real Betis, has been the subject of interest from Southampton and Leicester, but Kristjaan Speakman has suggested Roefs has been signed to ‘compete’ with Patterson rather than inevitably replace him.
“Robin is a talented young goalkeeper, who has been in high demand this summer after an impressive season in the Eredivisie,” said Sunderland’s sporting director. “Right from our opening conversations, his desire to join Sunderland was clear and we are delighted that he’s now a member of our team.
“This was an area of our squad where we wanted increased competition and he has all the attributes to play at the highest level, so we’re looking forward to working with him to ensure he achieves that outcome at the Stadium of Light.”
