Sunderland told to pay €60m for Geny Catamo as Sporting set January transfer price

Sunderland will reportedly need to offer €60 million to sign Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo in January after failing with a €40 million bid during the summer transfer window.

The Black Cats remain linked with the Mozambique international, but Sporting are determined to keep the 25-year-old until the end of the season.

According to Portuguese newspapers Jornal de Notícias and O Jogo, only an exceptional offer would persuade Sporting to reconsider their position.

Sunderland attempted to sign Catamo in August, reportedly submitting a package worth €40 million.

Portuguese reports differed on the structure of the proposal, with the guaranteed payment estimated between €30 million and €33 million.

Sporting rejected the approach, and Sunderland subsequently strengthened their attack by signing Malick Fofana from Lyon.

However, the two players occupy different positions. Fofana primarily operates on the left, while Catamo is most comfortable on the right wing.

That distinction could explain why Régis Le Bris' side remain interested in the Sporting attacker.

Jornal de Notícias reports that Sporting manager Rui Borges wants Catamo to stay for the remainder of the campaign.

The Portuguese club would reportedly consider selling in January only if an interested side submitted an offer of approximately €60 million.

That represents a €20 million increase on Sunderland's previous proposal, although it remains below Catamo's €80 million release clause.

Sporting's reluctance to sell is understandable given Catamo's recent performances.

The winger registered eight goals and five assists in 47 appearances last season and has already contributed two goals and four assists this term.

His contract runs until 2029, leaving Sporting under little immediate pressure to negotiate.

Transfermarkt currently values Catamo at €35 million, significantly below Sporting's reported January asking price.

While Sunderland could renew their interest, meeting a €60 million valuation would represent a substantial commitment.

There is currently no confirmation that the Premier League club intend to submit another formal bid.

Sunderland must decide whether to revive their pursuit of Catamo when the January transfer window opens.

Sporting's firm valuation makes a deal difficult, particularly with the Portuguese club determined to keep the winger for the rest of the campaign.