When Daniel Farke secured promotion to the Premier League with Leeds United there were genuine questions about whether he should be replaced or not. Even when the team bus was travelling around Leeds in celebration, with the German manager acting as DJ, Farke’s future wasn’t entirely clear.
Leeds United decided to stick rather than twist and it’s worked out well so far. Last season, the Whites finished 14th. That saw them eight points clear of relegation back to the Championship.
Farke’s side currently find themselves 7th in the Premier League, after another summer of good recruitment in the market. Fans have been getting carried away with chants about Europe. Whilst it’s been very much tongue in cheek, there’s certainly some belief that at least it’s possible.
What Leeds United are up to
On Tuesday evening FC Porto faced PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League at Estádio do Dragão. The away side won 1-0, which will be a big disappointment for Francesco Farioli and his Portuguese champions.
Leeds United were one of multiple Premier League clubs to have someone in attendance, perhaps hoping to recruit from Europe’s top table. A Bola’s print edition says they were accompanied by multiple English rivals and the likes of Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Sevilhla, Alavés, Atlético Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Levante and PSG.
Quite the list!
Sport Witness records have Zaidu Sanusi as the FC Porto player most recently linked with Leeds United, at least in a firm way. Interest started in March 2026 and carried on until the summer.
The 29-year-old left back has a contract expiring at the end of June 2027. Without a renewal, Porto will either need to sell him for a discounted price in January or accept he’ll be leaving for free.
That would be a blow given that when the Nigeria international is fit and available he tends to start.
Leeds United already have Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Sanusi isn’t as good as the Sweden international. Back up is Melvin Bard, who is on loan from Lille. He’s hardly featured so far and it’s unclear whether Leeds United will seriously consider using their option to buy.
Sanusi for free could be a more attractive prospect.
Clubs usually go to games to scout players from the home team, which makes it likely Leeds United were looking at a Porto option. However, it’s not out of the questioned it was someone at PSV instead.
If that was the case then 27-year-old Brazilian Mauro Júnior, who can play left back, defensive midfield and in central defence, is a likely candidate. Leeds United have been interested previously.
Players to get minutes for Porto last night
Players used vs PSV · 20 October 2026
| Player | Main position | Appearance | Approx. value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diogo Costa | Goalkeeper | Starter | €60m |
| Alberto Costa | Right-back | Starter | €15m |
| Jan Bednarek | Centre-back | Starter | €11m |
| Jakub Kiwior | Centre-back | Starter | €27m |
| Zaidu Sanusi | Left-back | Starter | €3m |
| Victor Froholdt | Central midfielder | Starter | €30m |
| Pablo Rosario | Defensive midfielder | Starter | €8m |
| Gabri Veiga | Central / attacking midfielder | Starter | €25m |
| Pepê | Winger | Starter | €20m |
| Samu Aghehowa | Centre-forward | Starter | €45m |
| Oskar Pietuszewski | Winger | Starter | €20m |
| Hwang In-beom | Central midfielder | Substitute · 58′ | €7m |
| Borja Sainz | Winger | Substitute · 58′ | €22m |
| André Silva | Centre-forward | Substitute · 58′ | €3m |
| Souza | Left-back | Substitute · 69′ | €15m |
| Seko Fofana | Central midfielder | Substitute · 76′ | €8m |
Values are approximate published market estimates in euros, checked 21 October 2026. They are not confirmed transfer fees, asking prices or release clauses.
Sources: Sky Sports match line-up and Mercado Azul squad valuations.
