Aston Villa and Fulham Set to Battle for Sporting Winger as €40m Transfer Race Intensifies
The race to sign Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo is beginning to gather momentum, with Premier League sides Aston Villa and Fulham emerging as serious contenders for the highly-rated Mozambique international. Reports from Portugal suggest the two English clubs are preparing substantial offers, while Burnley also remain interested despite facing a far more difficult challenge following their relegation from the Premier League.
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Sporting have already been made aware that several English clubs are closely monitoring the 25-year-old, with potential bids expected to fall between €35 million and €40 million (£30m-£34m). Those figures represent a significant rise compared to previous valuations and underline Catamo’s growing reputation after another impressive campaign in Lisbon.
Although Burnley have tracked the winger for some time, their return to the Championship has weakened their chances of securing his signature. Catamo is reportedly determined to test himself in the Premier League, making Aston Villa and Fulham far more attractive destinations should he decide to leave Portugal.
Despite the mounting interest, Sporting are in no rush to sell one of their most valuable assets. The winger remains under contract until 2029 after signing an improved deal midway through last season, with the new agreement almost doubling his annual salary to around €700,000. His contract also contains a hefty €60 million (£51m) release clause, giving the Portuguese champions a strong negotiating position.
Sporting have further strengthened their control over Catamo’s future by purchasing an additional 65 percent of his economic rights from Amora for €2.25 million (£1.9m) at the beginning of the 2025/26 season. That move leaves the Lisbon club with far greater authority over any transfer negotiations and ensures they will receive a larger share of any eventual transfer fee.
Keeping Catamo has become an even greater priority for Sporting after a summer of major departures. Several key players have already left or are expected to move on, including Morten Hjulmand, Francisco Trincão, Hidemasa Morita and Geovany Quenda, while Ousmane Diomande and Pedro Gonçalves have also been linked with exits.
Manager Rui Borges reportedly sees Catamo as one of the foundations of his rebuilt squad. Beyond his contributions on the pitch, the winger has developed into one of Sporting’s most experienced figures and is expected to play an increasingly influential role in the dressing room. The club have made it clear that they want him to remain at the heart of their long-term plans.
Catamo’s performances justify that faith. He finished last season with eight goals and four assists, matching the 11 direct goal contributions he produced during the previous campaign. He has also begun the new season in excellent form, starting all three of Sporting’s pre-season matches against Celtic, Strasbourg and Monaco, while finding the net twice.
For Aston Villa and Fulham, the opportunity to sign a versatile winger entering his prime is an attractive prospect. Both clubs possess the financial resources required to submit offers in the reported €35m-€40m range and can offer Catamo the Premier League stage he is believed to desire.
Burnley, however, face a much steeper challenge. While they have long admired the winger, persuading him to swap Sporting for Championship football appears highly unlikely unless circumstances change dramatically.
As the transfer window progresses, Sporting remain determined to retain one of their most important players. However, with Premier League clubs preparing significant bids and Catamo eager to fulfil his ambition of playing in England, the Portuguese champions could soon face their biggest test yet in keeping hold of their star winger.
