Sunderland haven’t forgotten about Geny Catamo after their big summer push, and Sporting are already taking steps to protect themselves from another attempt.
The print edition of A Bola says the Black Cats continue to follow the 25-year-old and could return for him in a future transfer window. The thing is Sporting have now started talks with Catamo over a new contract.
Their plan includes a significant pay rise, potentially extending his deal until 2031 and increasing his release clause to €80m (£69.4m).
In other words, Sunderland may find an even bigger obstacle waiting for them next time.
Sunderland interest hasn’t gone away
Catamo’s current contract runs until 2029 and includes a €60m (£52m) release clause.
Sporting already planned to reward him after the summer window closed. A Bola now says the talks are underway, with the club hoping to get everything sorted in the coming weeks.
His performances are one reason for that. Catamo has become one of Rui Borges’ most dangerous players and carried his good form from the second half of last season into this campaign. He started the season with two goals and three assists from his first seven appearances.
There’s also the Sunderland factor. Sporting know they continue to monitor him and say they could “return to the charge” in another window. So raising his clause by another €20m (£17.4m) would give them extra protection.
| Every Sunderland signing 26/27 | Previous Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Malick Fofana | Lyon | £26m |
| Dayann Méthalie | Toulouse | £24m |
| Jules Ahoka | Royal Antwerp | £8.6m |
| Juan Riquelme Angulo | Independiente del Valle | £5m |
| Kevin Danso | Tottenham Hotspur | Loan |
| Thomas Meunier | Lille | Free Transfer |
Sporting want to reward Catamo
Sunderland made a serious effort to get the Mozambique international this summer.
Their second offer included €33m (£28.6m) guaranteed and up to €7m (£6.1m) in bonuses. Sporting rejected it, specially because it arrived so late in the window.
The personal offer was much harder for Catamo to ignore. Sunderland were ready to increase his €600,000 (£520,000) net annual salary to €3m (£2.6m), effectively multiplying his wages by five.
The move didn’t happen, and A Bola says Catamo had to postpone his Premier League dream. And Sporting are now responding. The new deal should give him a considerable salary increase and could keep him at Alvalade for another five years.
