Leeds United are looking to sign Super Eagles left-back Zaidu Sanusi from FC Porto ahead of the 2026/2027 Premier League season, Afrik Foot reports.
The 29-year-old is one of the experienced players in Francesco Farioli’s side, but he played the role of a second-choice full-back for the Dragons, accruing just 11 league starts.
While he became a regular towards the end of the season, his contract situation might force him to consider a move elsewhere.
What Zaidu Sanusi will cost Leeds United
The Peaocks spent the majority of the just-concluded Premier League season without a proper left-back, with Gabriel Gudmundsson suffering back-to-back injuries. Former Leicester City defender James Justin had to play out of position to fill that need several times.
Ahead of next season, Daniel Farke wants to manage a well-structured side, hence his imminent press for an experienced.
As per Mot Leeds News, the three-time English Premier League winners are weighing up a move for Zaidu Sanusi.
It wouldn’t be the first time Leeds have registered interest in the Nigerian defender. A year ago, Zaidu labelled the transfer rumours as ‘lies’.
“I am not in contact with Leeds United or any team right now. I am not negotiating with Leeds United and I have not been offered a four-year contract. They lied about it,” the FC Porto defender said in quotes revealed by Goal.
It does appear now that there’s a real chance of a deal happening, and the contract situation of the 32-cap Super Eagles defender gives the two-time FA Cup winners an advantage at the negotiation table.
The Nigerian international has just one year left on his current contract with the Portuguese giants, although the club are preparing to open talks over a new deal.
If Sanusi agrees to new terms, Porto regains leverage and can demand a stronger fee. If he refuses, however, then an exit is on the cards.
With his contract expiring in 2027, Porto would likely be forced into a sale this summer rather than risk losing him for nothing twelve months later.
As per Transfermarkt, Sanusi’s market value sits at €3m, and for a player with Champions League experience and multiple Portuguese league titles, that represents a relatively low-risk investment.
Leeds are also looking at Borussia Dortmund’s Daniel Svensson, but signing the Swedish international would cost far more than going all out for Sanusi.
Should extension talks stall, Leeds will be able to seal a transfer for a fee between €2m and €4m.
