Leeds United could miss out on Zaidu Sanusi after the Super Eagles defender indicated that he wants to stay at FC Porto despite interest from the Premier League club, Footynaija reports.
The 29-year-old left-back has been linked with a move to Elland Road as his contract with Porto runs down. However, Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã reports that Sanusi’s priority is to remain at the Estádio do Dragão.
Porto have opened talks with the Nigerian over a new deal that would keep him at the club until 2029.
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Leeds had been hoping to take advantage of his contract situation as they look to strengthen their squad without spending heavily on transfer fees.
The Whites have signed Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha as free agents since returning to the Premier League. Harry Wilson also joined Daniel Farke’s side, while the club explored a possible deal for Julian Brandt.
Sanusi looked like another potential bargain. Leeds scouts watched him during Porto’s Champions League defeat to PSV in October. The Nigerian has also made 30 appearances in Europe’s premier club competition.
But leaving Porto may not appeal to the defender. Since joining from Santa Clara in August 2020, he has made 164 senior appearances, scored eight goals and provided four assists. He has also won eight domestic trophies, including two Primeira Liga titles.
Leeds may not be too concerned if the deal falls through. Gabriel Gudmundsson is currently ahead in the left-back pecking order, while Melvin Bard impressed after replacing the Swede at half-time against Tottenham.
Bard’s display could persuade Leeds to activate his reported £4.3 million purchase option next summer instead of pursuing Sanusi.
With Porto working on a new contract, Leeds may have to look elsewhere for a left-back.
