Zaidu Sanusi: Why Super Eagles star was right to snub Premier League interest

Former Super Eagles winger Garba Lawal has weighed in on the decision of Zaidu Sanusi to turn down a move to the Premier League during the January transfer window, Afrik-Foot reports.

Sanusi was heavily linked with a move to England during the winter window after struggling for regular playing time at the beginning of the season at FC Porto.

The Super Eagles defender suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in February 2024 and only returned to action almost a year later. His lengthy absence cost him his place in the team and he found it difficult to regain a regular role after returning, sparking speculation of an exit in search of playing time.

The 28-year-old attracted interest from Leeds United last summer and also in January after returning from the 2025 African Cup of Nations in 2025, where he helped Nigeria win bronze. Despite that, he chose to remain at Porto, even with only a few months left on his contract.

That decision now appears to be paying off as Sanusi has become a more prominent figure in the team since the turn of the year. He has already made 25 appearances across all competitions this season, including 16 in the league, as Porto sit in a strong position to win the title.

Garba Lawal defends Zaidu Sanusi’s Premier League snub

While only a few players can turn down the opportunity to play in the Premier League, former Nigerian forward Garba Lawal believes Sanusi’s decision to reject the chance may have been influenced by concerns over playing time.

“Each and every player wants to play in the Premier League, including myself before I retired,” he told Footy-Africa.

“But not everyone has that chance to play. When you want to make a transfer, you have to look at the team you are going to and the position you are playing. If you are not going to have playing time there, then there is no use going there.

“Nobody knows exactly why he did that, but maybe he felt he was not 100% ready. It is a different scenario; he may move when he is not 100% ready, and then he is going to crash. If you don’t have that 100% preparation to fight, it is better you stay where you are, especially because those people [Porto] did not say they wanted to sell him.”

The 1996 Olympic gold medalist also expressed admiration for the defender, who has now enjoyed an impressive turnaround in his career at the club and has played a big part in their title challenge since the turn of the year.

“At the moment, the coach is happy with him at Porto, the boy is happy, and he is playing well—those are the most important things. He is a fantastic player, like Zaidu was the last time I saw him. If he is happy in Porto, the coach is happy, and the fans are happy for him, then I believe there is no problem,” Lawal added.

Sanusi’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, which means he will be free to join any club on a free transfer. However, Lawal believes Porto should move quickly to offer him a new deal to avoid losing his services to other rivals. 

“The contract is expiring in the summer, which is fantastic for him. Now, if he wants to go to the Premier League, he can. If he wants to stay because the team wants to offer him more money, why not? It depends on him now to decide what to do.

“He has already decided he wants to stay, and that is what matters. However, if they fail to reach a new agreement, the club will not make any money because he will move on,” he concluded.

For now, Sanusi’s focus will be on finishing the season strongly with Porto as they hope to win their first league title since the 2021-22 season ahead of Benfica and Sporting CP, before finally making a decision on his future.