Zaidu Sanusi’s future at FC Porto has come under renewed scrutiny, with the Nigerian left-back attracting interest from clubs in England and the Middle East ahead of the January 2027 transfer window, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
According to Aliyu Ibrahim, a confidant of the defender, Leeds have made a strong approach for the Nigerian, while clubs from Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also expressed interest. Despite the growing attention, Sanusi’s preference is to remain in Portugal.
“Zaidu wants to remain at Porto, but it all depends on what his club can offer him in terms of a new deal. That is the situation at the moment. His first option is to stay in Portugal because he has been there for almost ten years now. He is used to the country, the weather and the food, and he speaks fluent Portuguese too,” he exclusively told Footy-Africa.
“There has been interest since last season, but he had a few injuries here and there which did not allow things to happen. His own preference, however, has always been to stay in Portugal and with Porto.”
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Ibrahim added that the final decision could rest with Porto, particularly with several clubs monitoring the defender.
“I am sure the coach likes him and wants him to stay, but everything is in the hands of the club. They have to decide whether they want to sell him to the clubs interested in signing him. There are at least three clubs looking at him. Apart from the strong interest from Leeds United, there have also been approaches from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Hopefully, the situation will be sorted soon,” he added.
The 29-year-old, who joined Porto from Santa Clara in 2020, has been linked with a possible departure over the past two transfer windows, with Premier League side Leeds United among his long-standing admirers.
Leeds are reportedly weighing up a January move for the former Jega United defender as they look to strengthen their defensive options and provide competition at left-back.
However, Porto are keen to avoid losing Sanusi on a free transfer, with his current contract due to expire next summer. The Portuguese giants have consequently opened discussions with the player’s representatives over a possible contract extension.
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With his contract entering its final months, Sanusi’s future could become one of the talking points of the January transfer window.
