Sporting Transfer Market: Sunderland to Increase Bid for Geny Catamo

Sunderland remains persistent in their pursuit of Geny Catamo and is set to increase their offer to convince Sporting to release the Mozambican winger.

Following an initial bid of €30 million fixed plus €10 million in performance-related add-ons (with Sporting retaining a 10 percent sell-on clause) that was rejected by the Lions, the club that finished 7th in the last Premier League — securing a spot in the upcoming UEFA Europa League — is preparing a new approach, A BOLA understands. They will raise the fixed fee (to a minimum of €35 million, with achievable bonuses) but, for now, will not exceed the €40 million total mark.

However, it's highly unlikely Geny Catamo will depart Sporting for that amount. While the figures are appealing, especially considering Geovany Quenda's €50 million sale and Catamo being 25 years old, the importance of the number 10 to Sporting's play is even greater.

After Trincão's transfer to Al Ahli and with Pedro Gonçalves expected to move to Al Ittihad, Rui Borges is keen to retain the team's primary one-on-one threat. There's also a desire to maintain continuity within the squad and keep experienced players who understand the unique demands of playing for Sporting. Of the midfield and attack that started last season, only Catamo featured in the starting XI for the first two league matches against Estrela da Amadora and Vitória de Guimarães. Hjulmand (transferred), Morita (free transfer), Trincão (transferred), Pedro Gonçalves (awaiting transfer), and Luis Suárez (substitute) have been replaced by Altimira, Doumbia, Zalazar, Flávio Gonçalves, and Ioannidis, with only the Greek player being part of the senior squad last season.

Nevertheless, Sunderland remains confident that a deal could be struck. So much so that the club has already initiated contact to assess the feasibility of Geny Catamo obtaining a work permit to play in England, a requirement for foreign players.

From the player's perspective, the financial package awaiting him in the North of England is also attractive. As A BOLA reported yesterday, Sunderland's offer would see Geny's salary quintuple, from €600,000 net annually to €3 million.

However, Sunderland's toughest challenge remains convincing Sporting. And they need to act fast. While the Lions currently show little willingness to negotiate, this would be non-existent in the final week of the transfer window. At that point, the Mozambican would only leave if his €60 million release clause is met, as a late transfer would force the SAD to enter the market at the last minute, and finding a suitable replacement in such a short timeframe would cost many millions.