Everton Plot Ambitious Swoop to Beat Arsenal to €60m-Rated Winger Geny Catamo
Everton are setting their sights high in the summer transfer window as they prepare to launch a bold attempt to sign Sporting CP’s highly-rated wing-back Geny Catamo—despite fierce competition from Premier League giants Arsenal. The Toffees are hoping to pull off one of the most surprising moves of the summer by hijacking the Gunners’ interest in the €60 million (£51 million)-rated Mozambique international.
Summer Transfer Strategy on Temporary Pause
The first phase of the summer transfer window has temporarily closed due to the new global calendar structure, giving clubs—including Everton—a rare opportunity to step back, regroup, and reassess their priorities. The market is scheduled to reopen on June 16, and Everton are expected to come out swinging as they finalize their shortlist and prepare to make key additions.
While many clubs are keeping things quiet during this short lull, Everton view the break as a chance to recalibrate and prepare for an aggressive transfer push.
Moyes Set for Backing After Premier League Survival Heroics
Manager David Moyes, who took over mid-season and successfully steered the club to Premier League safety, is expected to be financially supported by the Friedkin Group following their acquisition of the club. Moyes’ return to Goodison Park brought a stabilizing presence, and now the 62-year-old is eager to reshape the squad ahead of a critical campaign that includes the long-awaited move to Everton’s new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.
While his primary mission was survival last season, Moyes now turns to long-term squad development—with a major focus on reinforcing the right side of his defense.
Right-Back Reinforcements a Priority
With veteran Ashley Young departing and Seamus Coleman entering what is likely his final season, Everton are in the market for a younger, dynamic right-back. Moyes wants to inject pace, width, and defensive consistency into the side—and 24-year-old Geny Catamo has emerged as one of the standout targets.
According to a report by Caught Offside, Everton have formally registered interest in Catamo, a player whose versatility and attacking flair have earned him widespread attention across Europe. Despite his natural role as a right-wing-back, Catamo has also impressed further forward in a more traditional winger role, making him a tantalizing option for clubs seeking a multi-purpose wide player.
Catamo’s Rising Star Drawing Broad Interest
Catamo’s impressive campaign with Sporting CP has not gone unnoticed. The Mozambique international played a key role in Ruben Amorim’s title-challenging side in Liga Portugal, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the pitch. His development over the past 12 months has been rapid, and with 24 years of age, he is entering his prime.
The right-sided star has reportedly attracted scouts from multiple Premier League sides, including Arsenal, as well as clubs from Italy and Germany. Sporting, aware of the mounting interest, are keen to hold onto their player unless his eye-watering €60 million release clause is met.
That price tag, while attainable for top-tier clubs, could present a major hurdle for Everton.
Can Everton Afford the Deal?
While the Friedkin Group has pledged significant funds to help Moyes shape a competitive side, it’s still unlikely Everton would sanction a full-price deal for a player who, though promising, remains relatively unproven at the highest level. Spending £51 million on one player would consume a large portion of the club’s summer budget and goes against Moyes’ typically cautious transfer strategy.
However, Everton could explore creative deal structures—such as performance-based incentives or installment payments—if they are serious about challenging Arsenal and others for Catamo’s signature.
Why Catamo Fits Moyes’ Vision
Moyes values players who combine work ethic with technical ability, and Catamo’s playing style mirrors the kind of energy and aggression the manager wants to instill in Everton’s system. His speed, dribbling ability, and positional flexibility make him a potential long-term successor to Coleman and a tactical asset for different formations.
Bringing in a player of Catamo’s calibre would also send a message to fans and rivals alike that Everton are serious about their rebuild—not just aiming for survival, but pushing toward mid-table security or even European contention in the coming years.
What Comes Next?
With the transfer window set to officially reopen in just days, expect Everton to ramp up talks behind the scenes. Much depends on whether Sporting are willing to negotiate below the full release clause and whether Everton can fend off competition from wealthier suitors like Arsenal.
If they can pull it off, signing Catamo would not only provide Moyes with a high-potential weapon but also symbolize a new era of ambition under the Friedkin Group.