Leeds United’s hopes of signing Zaidu Sanusi appear very much alive. Porto are now planning for the possibility of changes at left-back ahead of the new season.
The Premier League club have maintained a long-standing interest in the Nigerian international. They failed to convince him to leave Portugal during the January transfer window.
While Zaidu opted to remain at the Dragão at the time, developments in Porto suggest another opportunity could emerge this summer.
Portuguese newspaper Record reports Porto are already assessing the future of their defensive options. The club acknowledge that both Zaidu and Francisco Moura could leave before the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
This could be significant for Leeds. The Yorkshire club have been linked again with Zaidu in recent days. The latest reporting from Portugal places Leeds at the head of the Premier League queue for the defender should he become available this summer.
Contract ticking down
A key factor is Zaidu’s contract situation. The defender is about to enter the final year of his deal. Unless an extension is agreed, Porto face the prospect of losing him for nothing in 2027.
That creates an obvious dilemma. Porto would prefer to renew his contract, particularly after his improved performances during the second half of last season. However, there is also recognition that this summer may represent the final opportunity to secure a meaningful transfer fee.
That is why his renewal talks are important. The Portuguese club’s preference is to extend the defender’s stay. Even so, the latest reporting suggests a move abroad becomes a much more realistic outcome if no new agreement is reached.
The Premier League continues to be viewed as the most likely destination in that scenario, with Leeds specifically identified as the club leading the interest.
Porto facing defensive decisions
The situation is made more complicated by uncertainty elsewhere in the position.
Francisco Moura is also attracting attention after a campaign that brought mixed fortunes, and his departure is not being ruled out. According to Record, an exit could even suit all parties involved.
Should Porto lose one or both players, Francesco Farioli’s squad would require significant work on the left side of defence. That explains why the Portuguese club have not yet rushed into a decision.
But Leeds already know Zaidu was prepared to reject a Premier League move once in favour of staying at Porto. The question now is whether the prospect of entering the final year of his contract changes the equation this summer. In addition, Leeds remaining at the front of the queue may be another factor.
For now, Porto still hope to keep him. But if a renewal does not materialise, Leeds will find that the door opens far wider than it did in January.
