Sunderland are refusing to walk away from their pursuit of Sporting winger Geny Catamo, with the Black Cats reportedly prepared to make a huge financial commitment to bring the Mozambique international to the Stadium of Light.
The 25-year-old has already been the subject of a substantial offer from Sunderland, but Sporting rejected the proposal despite the package potentially reaching €40m.
Now, reports in Portugal claim Sunderland are considering going even further in their attempt to convince the Portuguese club to sell.
The biggest incentive could come on the player’s side. Sunderland are reportedly prepared to offer Catamo around €3m (£2.6m) net per year, which would represent a fivefold increase on his current earnings in Lisbon.
Sunderland ready to push Sporting again for Catamo transfer
According to A Bola, Sunderland are determined to get the deal done.
The Black Cats previously offered €30m (£26m) up front, with another €10m (£8.7m) in add-ons and a 10 percent fee in any future sale but the proposal was rejected by Sporting.
Catamo has started the new season strongly, starting both league matches and providing an assist in each. Sporting are not ready to lose the player at a critical time with only a couple of weeks remaining in the transfer window.
Sunderland, however, haven’t given up yet on Catamo.
Reports suggest the Premier League club could be prepared to increase the guaranteed portion of their offer towards €40m (£34.7m). That would move the proposal much closer to the level Sporting are demanding.
Catamo has a €60m (£52m) release clause, meaning Sunderland would still have to spend considerably more to activate it.
Sporting are believed to have little desire to sell, but an offer approaching the player’s release clause could change the situation.
Catamo could receive huge Sunderland pay rise
The financial terms being discussed could be just as important as the transfer fee.
Catamo currently earns around £520,000 net per year at Sporting. Sunderland are reportedly willing to put approximately €3m (£2.6m) net per season on the table.
That would give the winger a major increase in his salary and represents a major statement of intent from Sunderland.
The Black Cats have already spent significant money on their recruitment this summer and are now attempting to convince one of Sporting’s most important players to make the move to England.
There is reportedly some progress on the player’s side, although an agreement has not yet been reached.
Importantly for Sporting, Catamo isn’t believed to be attempting to force his way out of the club. He was reportedly unhappy when Sunderland’s initial proposal was rejected, but that hasn’t resulted in him pushing for a departure.
That leaves Sunderland needing to convince both Sporting and the player.
Catamo’s versatility would make him an attractive option for Regis Le Bris. He is primarily a left-footed right winger but has also played as a wing-back.
For now, Sporting continue to hold firm. Sunderland’s initial €30m plus €10m package wasn’t enough, and the Portuguese club are believed to want the guaranteed fee raised towards the €40m mark.
With Catamo’s release clause standing at €60m, the next move could be crucial.
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