Sunderland will need to break their transfer record if they are to sign Sporting Clube de Portugal winger Geny Catamo, according to reports in Portugal. The Black Cats have made only two additions so far this summer — Belgian veteran Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie — and have seen a large number of first-team players leave the Stadium of Light.
Florent Ghisolfi and Tom Burwell have moved on a significant portion of the squad who struggled for minutes last season. Milan Aleksic has joined Partizan on loan, while permanent exits have been arranged for Leo Hjelde, Harrison Jones, Nazariy Rusyn, Timothee Pembele, Arthur Masuaku, Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin, Ahmed Abdullahi, Anthony Patterson and Eliezer Mayenda.
Sporting boss responds to Catamo speculation
Speaking after Sporting's 3-1 win over Alverca on Saturday, head coach Rui Borges addressed the speculation over Catamo's future. He said: "Geny is happy at Sporting. He's been playing well, showing his joy and commitment when he plays for Sporting, and he knows very well the confidence the coach has in him."
"The interest from other clubs is normal. He's a great player, so it's natural for Sporting players to be talked about elsewhere. It's always important for players to feel the fans' affection, and it's important for their growth even for their own confidence for the rest of the season."
Portuguese press reveal Sunderland's offer
Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reports that Sunderland have put €33m (£28m) on the table for Catamo, plus €7m (£6m) in add-ons, but Sporting remain unconvinced, demanding at least €40m (£34m) fixed. The same report claims the Mozambique international is tempted by the chance to play in one of the world's top leagues and by the high salary on offer.
A Bola adds that Sunderland's first offer was €30m guaranteed plus €10m in bonuses, which Sporting immediately rejected. A new proposal, which has not yet reached the club, will again aim to reach €40m but not in fixed money. The guaranteed fee will increase, though it still won't hit that mark, with the rest only achievable through performance-related add-ons that are considered quite realistic.
Everton and Ipswich Town are also keeping a close eye on the situation, along with interest from Italy, with some rumours pointing towards AC Milan. A Bola also reports that Sporting's response to Sunderland's initial enquiry was immediate — there is no openness whatsoever to negotiate Catamo's departure. The club's hierarchy and coaching staff consider the winger one of the essential pieces in their structure for the new season.
Mozambique coach backs move
Mozambique coach Chiquinho Conde has revealed that Catamo was surprised that the Sporting board, led by president Frederico Varandas, showed no willingness to enter negotiations, especially after seeing many of his teammates leave for other leagues with clear financial advantages. Diomande, Hjulmand and Trincao have all left Estadio Jose Alvalade this window.
"He also wants to make the most of the opportunity, football is about timing and this will mess with his subconscious," Conde said earlier this month. "Honestly, I think Sporting, sooner or later will have to let him go if it makes sense for the club's structure. I think it's time for him to prove himself in another league."
"As national team coach, I'd be grateful because we'd have a player with extra motivation, and the national team would benefit enormously from that move from a sporting perspective."
The summer transfer window closes on Tuesday, September 1 at 11pm.
