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Sunderland’s failed attempt to sign Geny Catamo appears to have had a bigger impact than first thought. The winger is now said to be deeply unhappy after Sporting blocked the move. Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reports the Mozambique international was left ‘furious’ by Sporting’s refusal to negotiate with Sunderland. The wording used throughout the report makes it clear the player is far from pleased. The newspaper even describes him as ‘very frustrated’ after seeing a Premier League switch slip away. Sporting president Frederico Varandas reportedly shut the door on Sunderland’s approach because Geny Catamo is considered untouchable ahead of the new season. The Portuguese champions will only consider selling if an offer arrives close to the player’s €60m (£52m) release clause. Premier League move appealed to player According to the report, Geny Catamo wanted the transfer for two main reasons. | Portugal Liga 2025/26 | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---| | Appearances | 29 | | | | | Started | 24 | | | | | Minutes per game | 68 | | | | | Total minutes played | 1963 | | | | | Goals | 6 | | | | | Assists | 2 | | | | The first was the chance to secure a significantly improved contract. The second was the opportunity to test himself in what he sees as the world’s strongest league. Those claims fit with comments made this week by Mozambique manager Chiquinho Conde, who publicly argued that “it’s the ideal time” for the winger to leave Sporting and prove himself in another championship. Sunderland not the only admirers Geny Catamo is also said to have admirers elsewhere in England. O Jogo names Aston Villa, Fulham and Burnley as English clubs who have also kept the Sporting winger on their radar. We have covered interest from those three a few months ago. Sporting’s stance, however, has not changed. The club regard the 25-year-old as one of the key figures in Rui Borges’ squad and do not consider him one of the senior players available for sale this summer. That means Sunderland would likely have to produce an extraordinary offer to reopen discussions. For now, though, the biggest development is on the player’s side, with O Jogo making it clear he is anything but happy after being denied the move.