Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi set for Saudi Arabia move

Nigeria defender Zaidu Sanusi is poised to leave FC Porto for Saudi Arabian club Al Qadisiya, with negotiations taking place over a possible summer transfer. Porto have indicated they would consider the departure, while the Portuguese champions are seeking €10 million for the 29-year-old.

Sanusi is entering the final year of his Porto contract. Talks over extending his stay by two seasons have failed to progress because of differences over his salary requirements, creating an opening for Al Qadisiya to pursue the Super Eagles player.

Executives from Al Qadisiya have recently discussed the potential deal with Porto’s board. The Saudi club’s interest has therefore moved beyond speculation, although Sanusi’s exit remains dependent on an agreement between the two sides and the player’s contract situation.

The proposed fee is substantially higher than Sanusi’s listed market value of €3 million. Porto’s €10 million asking price reflects the club’s position as it considers whether to sell the left-back this summer rather than risk losing him later in his contract.

Sanusi joined Porto in August 2020 and has since become an established Nigeria international. He has made 32 appearances for the Super Eagles and is now being considered for a move that would take him away from Portugal after four years with the club.

Al Qadisiya are not the only club previously linked with the defender. Italy’s Atalanta and English side Leeds United had also been reported as interested, but the current discussions with Porto have placed the Saudi Arabian option at the centre of Sanusi’s future.