Sunderland have made initial contact with Sporting CP to explore a possible deal for Geny Catamo as they look to build on an almost perfect first season in the top flight.
The Black Cats have been monitoring the 25-year-old for several months, with head coach Regis Le Bris understood to be particularly impressed by his versatility on the right side.
According to the Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Sunderland recently held informal discussions with Sporting CP to establish the conditions for a potential transfer. No formal bid has yet been submitted for the Mozambique international.
Sporting CP, however, have responded firmly to the approach and have immediately ruled out opening negotiations at this stage. The Lisbon club regard Catamo as an essential member of their squad for the coming season and are not currently prepared to consider his departure.
Catamo’s contract includes a release clause worth 60 million euros, and Sporting CP are unwilling to sanction a transfer for less than that amount. The Portuguese club’s stance is therefore likely to make any agreement difficult, particularly given that the player is currently valued at about 25 million euros on the market.
Sunderland are not the only club to have shown an interest. Clubs from England, Italy and Saudi Arabia have also made enquiries about Catamo’s situation in recent weeks.
Those approaches have so far failed to make significant progress. Sporting CP’s determination to retain the player has discouraged most potential suitors and prevented discussions from developing into formal negotiations.
Despite the Lisbon club’s position, Sunderland have not abandoned their interest. The outcome could ultimately be influenced by Catamo himself if he decides he wants to take the next step in his career by moving to the Premier League.
Catamo remains under contract with Sporting CP until 30 June 2028. He currently earns an annual salary of 770,000 euros in Portugal, equivalent to 500,500,000 FCFA.
The Mozambique international has established himself as a useful wide option because of his ability to operate in different roles on the right. That flexibility is believed to be a key reason why Le Bris has identified him as a potential target while Sunderland strengthen their squad.
Sporting CP are due to begin their Portuguese league campaign against Estrela shortly. The source article also cites betting odds from 1xbet for the match, with Sporting CP priced at 1.19 to win, a draw at 6.00 and an Estrela victory at 13.00.
