Zaidu Sanusi: 3 possible destinations amid Porto uncertainty

Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi faces an uncertain period in his career as questions continue to emerge over his future at FC Porto.

The 29-year-old joined the Portuguese giants from Santa Clara in 2020 and quickly established himself as an important member of the team, going on to become a regular part of the club’s domestic successes.

However, Sanusi’s situation has become more complicated because his contract is due to expire at the end of the current season, with no agreement over an extension yet. 

Porto could therefore face the possibility of losing the Super Eagles defender for free if they fail to resolve his contractual situation.

There is already interest in his services, with several clubs expressing interest in signing him either during the January transfer window or next summer when he becomes available as a free agent. 

Three possible destinations for Zaidu Sanusi

1. Leeds United

Leeds United are among the clubs showing strong interest in signing Sanusi, with the Premier League side set to revive their pursuit ahead of a possible move.

The English club could offer the Nigerian defender an opportunity to test himself in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues, while also providing him with a fresh challenge after several years in Portugal.

Leeds are very keen to strengthen their squad in January and Zaidu Sanusi’s familiarity with European football and experience at a club level could also make him an interesting option.

However, any potential move will depend on Porto’s position and whether the two clubs can reach an agreement.

With his contract running down, Leeds could look to take advantage of the situation, especially if Porto become willing to sell rather than risk losing him without receiving a transfer fee.

2. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is another possible destination for Sanusi, with clubs from the Middle East country reportedly making approaches over his availability.

The Saudi Pro League has continued to attract players from European football with lucrative contracts, and the Nigerian defender could become another player to consider that opportunity.

A move would offer him a different footballing experience and potentially a significant financial package and the possibility of a move cannot be ruled out if Porto decide to cash in on him.

3. Qatari League

Qatar is also emerging as a possible destination for the Super Eagles defender, with clubs from the country reportedly making enquiries about his situation.

Although there is no confirmed agreement with any interested side, Qatar could provide another option if his future at Porto becomes increasingly difficult to resolve.

The country has attracted several experienced players from European football in recent years, and Sanusi could be tempted by an opportunity to secure a new contract and take on a different challenge.

However, his preference appears to be remaining in Portugal, meaning a move to Qatar may not be his first choice.

What happens next with Zaidu Sanusi?

Despite the interest from three different destinations, Sanusi’s preference is to remain at Porto, where he has spent almost six years building his career.

A source close to the situation also revealed that the defender would like to continue in Portugal but needs to see what the club can offer him.

“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”, the source 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.”

However, Porto will have the final say on what happens next, especially with several clubs monitoring his availability.

“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”, the source revealed.

Whether Porto are willing to meet his demands with a new contract or decide to accept an offer from one of his suitors remains to be seen.

For now, Sanusi’s immediate focus will be on helping Porto maintain their push for the league title as they face Vitoria SC in the Portuguese league later today.