FC Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi wants to have clarity about his future soon as Leeds United and other clubs are keen on signing him in the winter market. 

The Premier League side have been pursuing the left-back since last season.

His contract expires at the end of this season. From January [without a renewal], Leeds United or another club can agree a pre-contract for him to arrive for free next summer.

The next window will be Porto’s last opportunity to avoid losing the 29-year-old as a free agent.

Leeds United want Sanusi 

The Nigeria international first moved to Europe when Gil Vicente signed him in 2016. He has been in Portugal since then and joined the Dragons in 2020. He has played 165 matches for his current club, and 11 are from this season.

Last month, FC Porto manager Francesco Farioli wants to hold on to the fullback amid the Whites’ interest to sign him in January.

“I had a conversation with him a few weeks ago. I trust him and give him opportunities, and he repays that trust with good performances. We’re still a long way from January, and when the time comes, we’ll see what happens. He’s a player I like having with us,” he said.

Last week, Sport Witness covered a report from Portugal explaining that Porto president André Villas-Boas is fighting to stop Zaidu Sanusi’s move to Elland Road.

Leeds United to face competition 

Daniel Farke’s side aren’t the only club pursuing the defender. His contract situation is also attracting interest from other clubs.

Footy-Africa spoke to Zaidu Sanusi’s ‘confidant’, Aliyu Ibrahim, who said his priority is to continue at FC Porto.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

“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.”

The source also confirms Leeds United’s desire to acquire the player’s signature.

“I am sure the coach likes him and wants him to stay, but everything is in the hands of the club,” Ibrahim explained.

“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.”

Farke has Gabriel Gudmundsson and Melvin Bard as the two left-backs at his disposal. The latter arrived from OGC Nice, on loan with an option to buy. If the Whites were to sign Sanusi, Bard will leave when his loan expires.