Sunderland lead Premier League race for Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo

Sunderland are reportedly at the front of the queue to sign Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo, with several Premier League clubs monitoring the Mozambique international ahead of the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old was already a target for English clubs during the summer and could once again become one of the main attractions of the winter market. Sunderland had identified Catamo as a priority to strengthen their right wing and have continued to follow his progress closely.

There has been no concrete progress towards an agreement, however, and no club has yet made an official offer for the player.

According to TeamTalk, Newcastle, Brighton, Brentford and Nottingham Forest are also keeping track of Catamo’s situation. Sunderland will therefore face significant competition if they decide to make a formal approach in January.

The growing list of interested clubs could strengthen Sporting CP’s negotiating position. Should several sides move for Catamo, the Portuguese club would be under no pressure to accept an offer below its valuation of the player.

Catamo’s form at the start of the season has helped attract attention from England. He has featured in all six of Sporting CP’s official matches so far, scoring two goals and providing three assists.

He also scored in Sporting CP’s 3-1 Champions League victory over Galatasaray. Those performances have increased his appeal to Premier League clubs seeking a player who can provide pace, penetration and goals from the right side.

Sporting CP set asking price

Sporting CP have a significant advantage in any potential negotiations after Catamo recently extended his contract until 2029. The new agreement includes a release clause of 60m euros.

That figure is considerably higher than Catamo’s current estimated market value of 25m euros, according to Transfermarkt. Sporting CP are therefore under no obligation to consider an offer close to that valuation and can insist on terms that meet their demands.

Sunderland may consequently need to make a substantial proposal if they are to finally secure the winger. With Newcastle, Brighton, Brentford and Nottingham Forest also watching, Catamo’s future could become one of the major stories of the January transfer window.

Sporting CP are due to play Arouca in the seventh round of the Portuguese league.