Porto hand Leeds Zaidu transfer setback

Leeds United's pursuit of Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi has hit a roadblock as the Portuguese club seeks to secure a new contract from the Nigerian player before the January transfer window. According to A Bola, Porto president André Villas-Boas hopes to finalize the renewal with the 29-year-old left-back before December 31, with the current deal expiring at the end of the season.

Sanusi, who has played 10 of Porto's 16 games this season despite missing almost two months due to injury, is crucial to coach Francesco Farioli. The Leeds, currently seventh in the Premier League, are reportedly interested in signing Sanusi on a free transfer in the summer to compete with their starting left-back, Sweden international Gabriel Gudmundsson, who has started most of the team's league games.

Should Sanusi remain unsigned in January, he could negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside Portugal. Aliyu Ibrahim, a confidant of the player, speaking to Footy-Africa, revealed that Leeds have made a strong approach, with clubs from Saudi Arabia and Qatar also showing interest. Sanusi has been with Porto since 2020, winning two Primeira Liga titles, and has expressed a preference to stay in Portugal due to familiarity with the country, weather, food, and language.