adminSunderland have stepped up their pursuit of Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo, with TEAMtalk understanding that the Mozambique international is open to joining the Black Cats in what could become a record-breaking transfer for the club.
With Regis Le Bris preparing his squad for Sunderland’s first European campaign in more than 20 years, the manager is determined to bring in players with proven quality and experience. Catamo has now emerged as the club’s leading target for the right-wing position, moving ahead of Roma’s Matias Soule on Sunderland’s shortlist.
Sporting director Florent Ghisolfi has already begun discussions with Sporting CP regarding a potential deal for the 25-year-old attacker.
Catamo enjoyed another impressive campaign in Portugal, registering eight goals and three assists across all competitions. While he is capable of operating on either wing, the versatile forward is considered particularly dangerous when deployed on the right.
His versatility, pace and experience have made him a priority for Le Bris, who wants to add greater quality and depth to his squad ahead of a season that will see Sunderland compete on multiple fronts.
Premier League Rivals Also Interested
Sunderland are not alone in their admiration for Catamo.
The winger has reportedly attracted considerable attention from several Premier League clubs, with Aston Villa, Everton, Fulham, Brentford and Brighton all keeping an eye on his situation.
Despite that competition, Sunderland have managed to put themselves at the front of the queue.
Sources indicate that Catamo is highly interested in Sunderland’s ambitious project and is enthusiastic about the prospect of moving to the Stadium of Light. His willingness to join the Black Cats could prove crucial as negotiations continue.
Sunderland Prepared to Break Transfer Record
Catamo’s Sporting contract reportedly contains a release clause worth just over £51m (€60m / $67m), with the Portuguese club initially reluctant to compromise on that valuation.
However, Sunderland have received encouragement that a deal could potentially be negotiated for around €40m (£34m / $46m).
Such an investment would still represent a new club-record transfer for Sunderland, comfortably exceeding the £30m they spent to sign Habib Diarra last summer.
The Black Cats are understood to be prepared to make that level of investment as they continue assembling a squad capable of handling the demands of domestic football alongside their European commitments.
Negotiations between Sunderland and Sporting remain ongoing, with discussions continuing over a potential agreement.
Sporting Transfer Could Help Sunderland
Sunderland have also been encouraged by Sporting’s own activity in the transfer market.
The Portuguese club are reportedly closing in on the signing of Watford winger Nestory Irankunda as they look to strengthen their options in the wide areas.
An agreement worth approximately £17m has reportedly been reached for the Australian international, who joined Watford from Bayern Munich last summer.
Bayern Munich are entitled to 40% of the transfer fee, but Irankunda’s potential arrival could have an even bigger significance for Sunderland.
Adding another winger to Sporting’s squad would increase competition for places in Catamo’s position and could potentially make the Portuguese side more willing to consider his departure.
Sunderland remain hopeful that negotiations will gather momentum over the coming days.
With Catamo reportedly keen on the move, Sunderland willing to invest heavily and Sporting strengthening their options in his position, optimism is growing that the Black Cats could eventually secure a deal for their exciting winger target.
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