Sunderland’s failed Geny Catamo pursuit already looks justified after flying Sporting start

Sunderland may have failed in their summer pursuit of Geny Catamo, but the Sporting winger’s start to the new season suggests their recruitment team had identified another exciting talent.

The Black Cats spent much of the summer trying to bring the Mozambique international to the Premier League, eventually seeing attempts potentially worth around €40million rejected by Sporting.

Catamo has responded to the failed transfer by producing the best start to a season of his career.

The 25-year-old has registered one goal and three assists across Sporting’s opening five matches, already doubling his goal contribution from the same stage of the 2024/25 campaign.

Catamo’s early-season form is also a continuation of the performances he produced towards the end of last season.

He has established himself as Rui Borges’ first-choice option on the right, with former West Ham winger Luís Guilherme providing competition.

His speed, ability to attack space and threat in one-on-one situations make it easy to understand Sunderland’s interest.

Catamo can also cut inside onto his stronger left foot and has increasingly improved his movement into dangerous scoring positions.

Those qualities could have added another dimension to Sunderland’s attack, explaining why the club continued pushing despite Sporting repeatedly rejecting their approaches.

Sunderland ultimately could not convince Sporting to sell despite their final attempts potentially reaching €40m.

The failed move could now become even more difficult to resurrect.

Sporting are considering rewarding Catamo with an improved contract after his excellent start. His existing deal already runs until 2029, but the Portuguese club could extend that until 2030 or 2031 while increasing his salary.

That would strengthen Sporting’s negotiating position considerably if Sunderland decide to return.

There is currently no indication that another bid is being prepared, but Catamo’s performances ensure he is unlikely to disappear from Sunderland’s radar.

January will provide the first opportunity to revisit the situation, although next summer could prove a more realistic moment for another attempt.

Sporting will hope to secure Catamo on improved terms while continuing to benefit from his excellent form.

For Sunderland, the challenge is deciding whether to return for a player who could become considerably more expensive if his performances continue at this level.