Zaidu Sanusi: Super Eagles star linked with shock move to Steven Gerrard’s former club

Super Eagles left-back Zaidu Sanusi has emerged as a potential transfer target for Scottish giants Rangers, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Sanusi appears to have rediscovered his best form at Porto following two challenging campaigns in Portugal. The defender suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in 2024, which sidelined him for almost eight months.

​While he returned to action last season, he initially struggled to reclaim his spot in Porto’s starting XI. Heading into last summer, there was even speculation that the Dragons would offload the 28-year-old, yet he eventually remained at the club.

​At the start of the current campaign, Sanusi’s game time was severely limited, with coach Francesco Farioli preferring Francisco Moura at left-back. However, his fortunes have shifted since the turn of the year.

He has once again become a regular fixture for the former Liga Portugal champions, starting in back-to-back matches. To date, he has featured in 18 games this season, contributing one goal and two assists.

​Rangers Monitoring Zaidu Sanusi’s Situation

​According to a recent report by Sport Witness, Sanusi is now being linked with a move to Ibrox.

​Rangers have endured a topsy-turvy campaign, and their recruitment strategy over the last two years has come under heavy scrutiny following a lack of silverware domestically and on the continent.

As the club looks to rebuild, Sanusi has surfaced as a viable option to bolster their defensive line.

​The Scottish side reportedly sent scouts to watch Porto’s fixture against Moreirense last weekend to identify potential summer targets. Given Rangers’ modest transfer budget, they are prioritizing players who represent high value for a reasonable fee.

​The Super Eagles star is currently valued at approximately €3 million on Transfermarkt.

Also, with Sanusi’s contract set to expire at the end of next season, Rangers may be able to negotiate a lower fee as Porto risks losing him for free a year later.

​Since arriving in Europe in 2019, the Lagos-born defender has played exclusively in Portugal. A move to Glasgow would represent a fresh test in a more physical league.

​However, landing Sanusi may require significant persuasion. Porto currently looks favorites to clinch the Liga Portugal title, and the lure of Champions League football at the Estádio do Dragão remains a major factor.

If Porto offers a contract extension, the Gers will need to present a truly enticing project to convince the Nigerian to make the switch.

The last time the Glasgow outfit won the Premiership was in 2021, when Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was coach. Perhaps, if they can get some good signings in, coach Danny Rohl could lead them to silverware.