Sunderland plot fresh £33.4m transfer raid as José Fonte pushes for January deal – reports
Sunderland are reportedly preparing a fresh move for Geny Catamo, with José Fonte pushing for the £33.4m-rated winger
Sunderland are reportedly preparing to revive their interest in Sporting winger Geny Catamo in January, with José Fonte said to be pushing for a renewed approach.
The Black Cats pursued the Mozambique international during the summer but were unable to agree a deal. Reports now suggest he remains a target, although Sporting’s asking price and efforts to secure him on a new contract present significant obstacles.
Transfer reporter Ekrem Konur claims Sunderland are pushing to sign the 25-year-old after previously having an offer approaching £33.4million, including add-ons, rejected. Sporting are said to be maintaining their valuation at approximately £33.4million. Konur also claims Catamo was attracted by a proposed salary worth five times his current wages. However, Sporting have reportedly responded with an offer to extend his contract until 2031, adding two years to his existing agreement.
Portuguese newspaper A Bola identifies Fonte as a key figure behind Sunderland’s renewed interest. The former Portugal international is said to believe Catamo could make a significant contribution at the Stadium of Light. Fonte knows Portuguese football well, having only retired last season following a spell with Casa Pia. According to the report, his knowledge of the league and admiration for Catamo are helping drive Sunderland’s interest ahead of the winter window.
Sporting, though, are under no immediate contractual pressure to sell. Catamo’s current deal runs until 2029 and reportedly contains a release clause worth approximately £50.1million, considerably above the figure being discussed as a potential transfer fee.
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Their attempt to agree an extension underlines the challenge facing Sunderland. Interest from Wearside has not disappeared, but neither has Sporting’s determination to protect the winger’s future. There have also been significant changes in Lisbon since Sunderland’s summer pursuit, with a managerial switch adding another factor to any January negotiations.
Catamo began the campaign strongly, producing two goals and three assists in his opening five appearances. His form subsequently dipped alongside Sporting’s results, with Rui Borges losing his job. Former Lyon boss Paulo Fonseca has reportedly agreed to replace Borges, who was regarded as a strong admirer of Catamo and enjoyed a close relationship with the winger.
A new head coach could change the circumstances surrounding the player, although there is no suggestion that Fonseca wants him to leave. Catamo’s role under the incoming manager will therefore be another situation to monitor before January. Sporting could also have to contend with Nestory Irankunda’s potential involvement for Australia at the Asian Cup, which may reduce their attacking options during the transfer window.
A Bola suggests that possible absence, combined with Sunderland’s expected renewed interest in Catamo, could prompt Sporting to explore attacking reinforcements of their own. The reports point towards another possible attempt to address their options out wide after missing out during the summer.
However, there is no indication that a deal has been agreed or that Sporting have softened their stance. With a substantial asking price, a contract offer and a managerial change all involved, any renewed pursuit would still leave several significant hurdles to clear.
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