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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Niall McVeigh

Ten of the best-value deals from this summer’s transfer window

Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs, Ernest Poku of Bayer Leverkusen and Lecce's Nikola Stulic.
Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs, Ernest Poku of Bayer Leverkusen and Lecce's Nikola Stulic. Composite: Sunderland AFC/Getty Images; DeFodi Images/Shutterstock; LaPresse/Shutterstock

Robin Roefs (NEC to Sunderland, £9.1m)

This season, all three promoted Premier League sides have started the season with a new goalkeeper between the posts. Given that the last six teams to come up have conceded a total of 515 goals (85.8 each on average) on their way straight back down, it’s not a bad position to focus on. Burnley replaced James Trafford with Martin Dubravka, while Leeds saw Lucas Perri as a safer pair of hands than Illan Meslier. Sunderland’s recruitment of Roefs, a small part of their £150m summer outlay, might be the best decision of all. Standing 6ft 4in tall, the Dutchman has a presence and composure that belies the fact he is only 22. Roefs has quickly become a fan favourite and saved a penalty to help Sunderland beat Brentford, their second win in three Premier League games.

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