adminSunderland on pole to complete record-breaking winger signing as £51m-rated star makes decision on transfer
Sunderland make their move for Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo, and TEAMtalk understands the Mozambique international is open to joining the Black Cats in what would be a record-breaking summer deal.
As Regis Le Bris looks to strengthen his squad ahead of Sunderland’s first European campaign in over two decades, the club have identified proven quality as a must. Sources confirm that Catamo has now overtaken Roma’s Matias Soule as the primary target for the right-wing role.
Sporting director Florent Ghisolfi has already opened talks with Sporting over the 25-year-old, who turned in another strong season in Portugal with eight goals and three assists across all competitions.
Though capable of playing on either flank, Catamo is at his most dangerous from the right—and his combination of versatility and experience has made him a top priority for Le Bris, who is keen to add real depth and quality to a squad balancing domestic duties with European fixtures.
We can also reveal that Catamo has attracted significant Premier League interest this summer, with Aston Villa, Everton, Fulham, Brentford, and Brighton all monitoring the highly regarded African attacker.
Still, Sunderland have positioned themselves as the frontrunners.
Sources indicate Catamo is enthusiastic about the project at the Stadium of Light and eager to make the move to Wearside, giving the Black Cats a clear edge over their Premier League rivals.
Sunderland pushing to land exciting winger
Catamo’s contract includes a release clause of just over £51m (€60m / $67m), and Sporting have initially held firm on that figure.
However, we understand intermediaries have informed Sunderland that a deal could realistically be done for around €40m (£34m / $46m)—which would surpass the club’s current transfer record of £30m, set last summer with the signing of Habib Diarra.
Sunderland are prepared to sanction that outlay as they continue building a squad equipped to compete across multiple competitions, and talks between the clubs remain active.
The Black Cats have also been encouraged by Sporting’s own transfer activity.
We understand the Portuguese side are closing in on a deal for Watford winger Nestory Irankunda, as they look to bolster competition in wide areas. An agreement worth around £17m has been struck for the Australian international, who joined Watford from Bayern Munich last summer.
Bayern are entitled to 40% of that fee, but more significantly for Sunderland, Irankunda’s arrival would add further depth in Catamo’s position—potentially easing Sporting’s resistance to a departure.
Sunderland remain hopeful that negotiations will continue to advance in the coming days, with all sides growing increasingly optimistic that a deal can be reached.
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