Geny Catamo set for Sporting pay rise after Sunderland pursuit

Sunderland’s failed summer pursuit of Geny Catamo could still have a major financial impact on the Sporting winger, with the Portuguese club reportedly preparing a substantial pay rise and longer contract.

According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã, Catamo currently earns around €1.4 million (£1.2m) gross per year at Sporting. The club now want to increase that figure to approximately €2m (£1.74m), representing a rise of around 43%.

The proposed increase comes after Sunderland pushed hard to sign the 25-year-old during the summer transfer window.

Sporting’s planned salary increase remains well below the package Sunderland were reportedly prepared to offer Catamo.

Previous reports from Portugal claimed the Black Cats had offered around €3m (£2.6m) net per season, which A Bola reported would have increased his take-home salary fivefold.

Correio da Manhã now values Sunderland’s proposal at approximately €5m (£4.35m) annually. The apparent discrepancy between the two reported figures is explained by one being expressed as a net salary and the other on a gross basis.

Either way, the figures underline the financial strength of Sunderland’s attempt to bring Catamo to England.

Sporting ultimately retained the Mozambique international and are now looking to reward him while strengthening their contractual position.

Catamo is already under contract until 2029, meaning Sporting are not under immediate pressure to secure his future. However, the Portuguese club reportedly want to add another two years to his deal, extending it until 2031.

A significant change to his release clause is also being considered. Sporting want to try to increase the current €60m (£52m) clause to €80m (£69.4m).

Talks over the new agreement have already started, with Sporting aiming to settle Catamo’s future well before the January transfer window.

Aston Villa were also credited with an interest during the summer, but Sunderland were reported to have made the strongest push for his signature.

For Sunderland, the consequences of their pursuit could therefore extend beyond simply missing out on the player. Sporting are moving to improve Catamo’s salary, extend his contract and potentially make any future transfer considerably more expensive.

Sporting will now look to conclude negotiations with Catamo before the January transfer window.

An agreement would leave the winger with a considerably improved salary and potentially tie him to the Lisbon club until 2031. Raising his release clause to €80m would also strengthen Sporting’s position should Sunderland or another Premier League club revive their interest.

There is no indication in the supplied reports that Sunderland have made a fresh approach ahead of January, so their next move remains uncertain. For now, the clearest development is Sporting’s attempt to secure Catamo on improved terms following the summer interest from England.