Leeds United eye Zaidu Sanusi January move as Porto advance contract talks

Leeds United remain interested in Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi and could consider a January move if the Portuguese club fail to agree a contract extension with the Nigerian international.

The 29-year-old's current deal expires in June 2027, creating a potential opportunity for Leeds to negotiate a reduced transfer fee during the winter window.

However, Portuguese newspaper A Bola reports that Porto's negotiations over a new contract are already advanced, complicating Leeds' hopes of signing the defender.

Leeds have monitored Sanusi for an extended period and previously attempted to bring him to Elland Road.

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, the Yorkshire club made a strong effort to sign the left-back in January 2026, but Sanusi decided to remain at Porto following discussions with manager Francesco Farioli.

Leeds were linked with the defender again during the summer and have continued monitoring his contract situation.

Football Insider reported on 28 October that Leeds are considering another approach in January, believing Sanusi's expiring contract could make a deal more affordable.

The club were also reportedly represented at Porto's recent Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven, although there is no confirmation that Sanusi was the specific subject of the scouting visit.

Sanusi's contract expires on 30 June 2027, meaning he will enter the final six months of his deal in January unless an extension is agreed.

A Bola reports that negotiations over a new contract are already at an advanced stage, with Porto keen to retain the experienced defender.

Farioli has previously made clear that he values Sanusi, whose decision to remain at the club earlier this year followed discussions with the Italian manager.

The Nigeria international has made eight appearances this season after missing approximately two months through injury.

Sanusi joined Porto from Santa Clara in 2020 and has accumulated considerable domestic and Champions League experience.

Football Insider reports that Leeds are assessing whether Sanusi could become available at a reduced price during the January transfer window.

The defender's estimated market value is around €3million, according to Transfermarkt, although that figure does not represent a confirmed asking price from Porto.

If Sanusi does not extend his contract, Leeds could explore a January transfer or wait until the summer, when he would become available on a free transfer.

However, Porto's advanced renewal negotiations could prevent either scenario.

Leeds already have Gabriel Gudmundsson at left-back, while Melvin Bard joined on loan from Nice in September with an option to make his move permanent.

That gives the Yorkshire club several considerations before deciding whether to pursue another defender.

Porto will attempt to finalise Sanusi's contract extension before he enters the final six months of his existing deal in January.

Leeds are reportedly monitoring those negotiations and could reconsider a move if an agreement is not reached.

The outcome of the renewal talks will determine whether Sanusi remains a realistic January target or commits his future to Porto.