Porto gem Sanusi shares update on Leeds United transfer in new interview
Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi has spoken out after Leeds United showed an interest in securing his signature.
The left-back has been linked with a switch from Liga Portugal to work under Daniel Farke ahead of the summer transfer window.
This could prove to make sense as Junior Firpo looks destined to depart West Yorkshire when his contract comes to an end at the end of the season.
With just weeks until the campaign finishes and the window opens, the Nigeria international has spoken about the Leeds interest in a new interview.
Sanusi responds to Leeds United interest
The 27-year-old has been a regular at Porto since signing from Santa Clara back in 2020 but has been severely underused this season after returning from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
This has seen the defender make just six appearances, which would make an exit from the Estadio Do Dragao logical for all parties.
This has seen the Whites reportedly prepare an offer of £1.6million and a four-year contract for Sanusi, which was seen as “very likely” [Africa Foot, 31 March].
With that being said, the Nigerian has now reacted to this news and suggested that any reports of contact with the Whites are incorrect.
Speaking to All Nigeria Soccer (1 April), he said: “I am not in contact with Leeds United or any team right now.
“I am not negotiating with Leeds United, and I have not been offered a four-year contract. They lied about it.”
This does make sense considering that Porto hold a £42m release clause for Sanusi from his contract extension, signed in October 2022.
Leeds United interest in Sanusi not to be believed
Despite only being linked with the full-back in the past week, it already appears that their interest was false.
This will come as a blow as there was an element of excitement surrounding the Porto ace and his move to Elland Road in the summer.
Sanusi’s experience could have proven to be the perfect addition to the dressing room under Farke if promotion to the Premier League is secured.
| Team | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Porto | 128 | 7 | 1 |
| Santa Clara | 27 | 1 | 2 |
| SC Mirandela | 71 | 3 | 0 |
| Nigeria | 18 | 0 | 2 |
It now appears that a deal for the Nigeria ace is off the cards and was never even on the table, so these comments may not come as a surprise to the hierarchy in LS11.
Now the Whites will look into new left back targets if Firpo is to leave with a return to La Liga looking increasingly likely in the summer.