Sunderland push for Geny Catamo as Sporting fear €60m bid

Sunderland are increasing the pressure on Sporting over Geny Catamo, with the Premier League club reportedly prepared to move closer to the Mozambique international's €60m release clause.

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Sunderland have already indicated during informal contacts that they are willing to pay €40m for the 25-year-old. Sporting have rejected their approaches and have virtually no desire to sell.

The concern at Alvalade is that Sunderland may significantly increase their proposal before the transfer window closes on 4 September.

Sporting fear an offer approaching Catamo's €60m release clause would become increasingly difficult to resist, particularly during the final weeks of the window.

Losing him so late would also create a recruitment problem. Luís Guilherme would be the only natural senior option on the right side of Sporting's attack, while youngster Salvador Blopa is currently recovering from a muscular injury.

Sporting's sporting department already has potential replacements identified, but completing negotiations and integrating a new signing at short notice would be challenging.

Catamo himself is reportedly attracted by the possibility of playing in the Premier League, although he has no intention of forcing his way out.

The winger remains grateful to Sporting for his development and only signed a new contract until 2029 in February.

Sunderland believe Catamo could provide both experience and considerable tactical flexibility.

The Mozambique international can operate as a winger, right-back or midfielder and is comfortable in different systems, including 3-4-3 and 4-2-3-1. That versatility could allow Régis Le Bris' side to strengthen several areas with one signing.

For Sporting, a sale would represent a substantial financial return. The Portuguese club's total investment in Catamo was reportedly below €4m, paid to Amora and Associação Black Bulls.

Sporting nevertheless remain reluctant sellers after Catamo established himself as an important player and helped the club reach the 2025/26 Champions League quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by eventual finalists Arsenal.

The decisive question is how far Sunderland are prepared to go. Sporting's position is strong while proposals remain around €40m, but an offer much closer to the €60m clause could change the situation.

With Sporting also needing time to recruit a replacement, Sunderland's next move could determine whether Catamo becomes one of the major late transfers of the window.