Sunderland’s summer recruitment has been sluggish thus far, but landing a player of Geny Catamo’s quality would signal serious ambition from the club.
Catamo would represent a marquee acquisition for Sunderland
The Black Cats are running against the clock in their pursuit of Sporting Clube de Portugal wide man Geny Catamo, with Portuguese sources indicating they would need to shatter their existing transfer record to have any chance. Belgian campaigner Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie constitute the club’s sole signings to date.
The Stadium of Light has seen significant departures this close season, with Florent Ghisolfi and Tom Burwell departing alongside a substantial chunk of the first-team squad who found game time scarce last term. Milan Aleksic has departed on loan for Partizan, while permanent transfers have been arranged for Leo Hjelde, Harrison Jones, Nazariy Rusyn, Timothee Pembele, Arthur Masuaku, Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin, Ahmed Abdullahi, Anthony Patterson and Eliezer Mayenda.
Several players have been touted as potential arrivals at the Stadium of Light, with Catamo among the names mentioned. Reports suggest Sunderland made contact with Sporting to discuss terms, though their efforts have yet to yield results.
With this in mind, Chronicle Live has examined the latest updates from Portuguese media regarding Catamo’s situation.
Following Sporting’s 3-1 victory over Alverca on Saturday, Sporting manager Borges commented on speculation surrounding Catamo’s future.
He stated that Geny remains content at Sporting, that he has been performing strongly and displaying enthusiasm and dedication whenever representing the club, and that he is fully aware of the manager’s faith in him. The manager noted that transfer interest from other clubs is standard for accomplished players, that it is natural for Sporting stars to be discussed elsewhere, and that players benefit from feeling the supporters’ appreciation, which aids their development and confidence throughout the campaign.
The Portuguese publication reports that Sunderland are making determined efforts to sign Catamo, though they acknowledge the process demands considerable patience. The English side have identified the winger as a target, but Sporting are resisting the proposed exit. Sunderland have tabled an offer of €33m with an additional €7m in performance-related payments, though Sporting remain unimpressed, insisting on a minimum guaranteed fee of €40m. Nevertheless, Sunderland maintain they will not abandon their pursuit easily, particularly given their understanding that the Mozambique international is drawn to the prospect of competing in a top-tier European league alongside the lucrative wages on offer.
Catamo is hoping to receive comparable treatment to that afforded to other key players like Diomande, Hjulmand and Trincao, though Sporting are reluctant to sanction his departure and are even weighing up the possibility of presenting him with an improved contract.
Meanwhile, Portuguese outlet A Bola reported that the English club retain strong interest in the Mozambican winger and have submitted a formal approach, but Sporting view Catamo as a crucial component of Rui Borges’ plans and are unwilling to negotiate at a reduced valuation. Catamo understands his position and is aware of foreign interest, yet Sporting’s firm position means any transfer would necessitate a substantially improved offer.
The initial proposal, as previously reported, consisted of €30m guaranteed plus €10m in supplementary payments, which Sporting rejected immediately. The revised offer, which has not yet arrived at Alvalade, will again target the €40m mark but not through guaranteed payments. The base fee will increase but still fall short of that figure, with the remainder tied to realistic performance conditions. However, this remains insufficient for Sporting, who are determined to retain the Mozambique international.
Other English clubs are monitoring developments closely, with Everton and Ipswich Town also in the frame. There is also reported interest from Italy, with speculation linking the player to AC Milan under Ruben Amorim, the coach who originally elevated Catamo to Sporting’s senior side during his tenure in Lisbon.
In a separate report, A Bola adds that following that initial enquiry, Sporting’s reply was unequivocal: there is absolutely no willingness to discuss Geny’s departure. Club officials and coaching staff regard the winger as fundamental to their plans for the upcoming season, meaning their position remains unchanged.
With the squad already undergoing substantial restructuring, the board have made clear that any additional departures, beyond those already progressing such as Diomande, Pedro Goncalves and Daniel Braganca, will only receive approval if a player’s release clause is activated. In Catamo’s case, that clause stands at €60m.
Mozambique manager Chiquinho Conde has disclosed that Catamo was taken aback that the Sporting board, under president Frederico Varandas, demonstrated no appetite for negotiations, particularly after witnessing numerous teammates depart for other leagues with substantial financial gains. Diomande, Hjulmand and Trincao have all departed Estadio Jose Alvalade this window.
Conde stated earlier this month that the player also wishes to seize the opportunity, that football revolves around timing and this situation will affect his mindset. He expressed his view that Sporting will inevitably have to allow his departure if it aligns with the club’s structure, and that the time has come for him to demonstrate his abilities in a different league. As national team manager, Conde said he would be thankful as the player would arrive with additional motivation, and the national side would derive significant sporting benefit from such a transfer.