Zaidu Sanusi could be heading to Serie A this summer, with Atalanta having made contact with FC Porto over the Nigeria international’s availability ahead of what is shaping up to be a busy transfer window in Bergamo, Footynaija.com reports.
Sanusi, 28, has spent five years at Porto since joining from Santa Clara in 2020 and has won the Primeira Liga, three Taças de Portugal and two Portuguese Super Cups during his time at the club. His 2025-26 season was disrupted by injury, limiting him to 17 Primeira Liga appearances, though he still contributed a goal and an assist across those outings.
His contract runs until June 2027 and is managed by Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute agency, giving Porto strong negotiating leverage in any deal.
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Discussions between the two clubs are described as being at an early stage. Porto are also understood to be in separate talks with Sanusi over a potential contract extension.
The Portuguese club are understood to be open to offers in the region of €7 million.
A familiar profile for Gasperini’s system
The attraction from Atalanta’s side is straightforward. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, the Bergamo club have consistently demanded left-backs who can carry the ball, press aggressively and contribute in the final third, qualities Sanusi has demonstrated across his best years at Porto. His pace and physicality fit a system that asks its wide defenders to function almost as wingers in possession.
Per Africafoot, Atalanta view Sanusi as a player that can provide cover and competition at left-back as they prepare for another campaign across domestic and European competition next season.
The Super Eagles defender has been part of Nigeria’s squad at three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, in 2021, 2023 and 2025, giving him the kind of international pedigree that adds value beyond club statistics alone.
