Godwin ObajeEverton Plot Major Summer Swoop for Sporting’s Geny Catamo Amid Friedkin-Led Ambitions
As a new chapter dawns at Everton, the club’s intent in the transfer market under the stewardship of the Friedkin Group is becoming increasingly clear. A summer of high ambition is on the cards, with the Toffees linked to several marquee attacking signings ahead of their first full season under new ownership. Now, Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo has emerged as a major target in what could be a £50m-plus move.
Friedkin Eyes Statement Signing
Everton’s interest in reinforcing their frontline is no secret. Since the Friedkin Group took over the club, plans have accelerated to match the ambitions tied to the Hill Dickinson Stadium — Everton’s upcoming new home set to symbolise a new era on Merseyside.
The Toffees, now under David Moyes, improved marginally last season in terms of goals scored, but the lack of a consistent attacking outlet remains glaring. Even with Beto showing signs of promise and Dominic Calvert-Lewin picking up form towards the end of the campaign, the latter’s expected departure on a free transfer this summer has only deepened the urgency.
Everton’s attacking output over the last three seasons paints a bleak picture:
2024/25: 42 goals
2023/24: 40 goals
2022/23: 34 goals
Only the three relegated clubs scored fewer than Everton in 2024/25. For a team aiming to avoid another relegation scrap, that’s not sustainable — and Friedkin appears determined to act decisively.
Grealish and the Catamo Alternative
Among the names linked with Everton this summer, few have drawn as much attention as Jack Grealish. The Manchester City star, reportedly on his way out after being left out of the Club World Cup squad, would be a blockbuster addition. While signing the England international would represent a dramatic coup, financial and competitive constraints make the deal an uphill task for the Toffees.
As a result, attention has turned towards Sporting CP’s Geny Catamo — a player rapidly earning a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents.
According to Caught Offside, Everton are now firmly in the race for the Mozambique international, who is also being monitored by Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Aston Villa. Catamo has a release clause of €60m (£51m), and Sporting are expected to demand that figure in full.
Who is Geny Catamo?
Catamo, 24, enjoyed a breakout campaign with Sporting last season, impressing with his directness, flair, and end product. His ability to impact games at the highest level was underscored when he netted the decisive goal in the Lisbon derby against Benfica — a moment that saw football scout Jacek Kulig brand him the “King of Lisbon.”
That goal, and Catamo’s wider form in 2023/24, have caught the eye across Europe. The winger contributed significantly to Sporting’s title charge, operating predominantly from the right flank but equally comfortable cutting inside or playing more centrally when required.
Kulig’s description of Catamo as the “King of Lisbon” is no throwaway phrase; it highlights just how influential the winger has become in one of Europe’s most passionate footballing cities. He possesses the kind of profile Everton have sorely lacked — a match-winner capable of lifting a team in tight contests.
A £50m Gamble Worth Taking?
For Everton, the question is whether Catamo is worth the substantial investment. With financial restrictions still lingering, despite Friedkin’s arrival, such a move would be bold — but perhaps necessary. The club are desperate to add spark and invention to their front line, especially with the goalscoring burden no longer guaranteed to fall on Calvert-Lewin.
More pertinently, Everton must now show intent to avoid stagnation. They may not be able to offer Champions League football like some of their rivals in the Catamo chase, but they can provide Premier League exposure, a starring role, and a long-term project built around young, ambitious talent.
That pitch could prove compelling if matched by financial muscle. The deal won’t be easy, though. Atletico Madrid and Arsenal both present attractive alternatives, with the former boasting European pedigree and the latter offering a project under Mikel Arteta that appeals to technically-gifted attackers.
Still, if Friedkin is serious about announcing his arrival with a statement, Catamo might just be the perfect candidate.
Building for the Hill Dickinson Era
With the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium looming, Everton’s off-field direction must now be mirrored in squad-building. The days of last-minute panic buys or short-term fixes must be left behind. Strategic, ambitious recruitment is the order of the day — and Catamo, still only 24 and entering his prime, fits that bill perfectly.
There’s a renewed sense of purpose at Goodison — or what remains of it, as the club prepares to leave behind the famous old ground. Moyes, back for a second stint, knows full well that a clinical wide player with Catamo’s explosiveness could transform Everton’s style and fortunes. In a system that will likely emphasise compactness, organisation, and counter-attacks, Catamo’s speed and decision-making could thrive.
Whether the Friedkin Group are ready to sanction a move north of £50m will be a crucial indicator of how far and how fast they intend to take Everton forward. After years of stagnation and flirtation with relegation, fans are desperate for tangible signs of evolution. Catamo’s arrival would be exactly that.
As the transfer window opens and competition heats up, Everton face a key decision. Walk away from the chase and settle for a safer option — or go all in on a player who could light up the Premier League and bring some long-lost swagger back to the blue half of Merseyside.
Either way, the “King of Lisbon” may not be ruling Portugal for much longer. His next throne could well be found on the banks of the Mersey.
Godwin Obaje
