By OkayGoal
Leeds United are back on the trail of Zaidu Sanusi, but his manager has made it plain he would rather keep him.
The Porto left-back is out of contract next summer, which means he will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs in Europe when the January window opens.
Reports in Portugal have put Leeds at the front of the queue for the 29-year-old, and a scout was at Porto’s game with PSV earlier this month. Portuguese reports went on to say that Zaidu was the player being watched.
What has Farioli said about Zaidu Sanusi and Leeds?
Francesco Farioli was asked directly at his press conference on Friday, including whether he would be reluctant to lose the defender in January.
He said: “I had a conversation with him a few weeks ago. I trust him and give him opportunities, and he repays that trust with good performances. We’re still a long way from January, and when the time comes, we’ll see what happens. He’s a player I like having with us.”
That is warm, though it is not quite a door slammed shut. Porto are reported to be looking to get a new contract sorted, and Farioli is said to have told the club’s management that he sees Sanusi as part of his long-term plans.
How long have Leeds wanted Zaidu Sanusi?
This goes back a while. Leeds considered signing him after they were promoted to the Premier League in 2025 but did not make a move that summer, and they have kept watching him since.
The recruitment team have not been short of ideas lately, from Orjan Nyland in the summer to James McAtee last spring. Zaidu would be a different kind of deal, because the appeal here is as much about the price as the player.
Do Leeds actually need Zaidu Sanusi?
Not urgently. Left-back could hardly be described as a necessity for Daniel Farke’s side at the moment, and only Arsenal have conceded fewer league goals this season. Four league games without a win says something needs fixing at Elland Road, but it is not the defence.
That is exactly why the free-agent angle is so tempting. If Porto get him to sign a new deal, the opportunity goes away.
Verdict: Zaidu Sanusi to Leeds depends on Porto’s contract talks
This one is out of Leeds’ hands for now. If Zaidu signs a new deal at Porto, the story is over. If he reaches January without one, Leeds can get in front of him with nothing to pay, and a left-back on a free would be good business even if he is not an immediate need. We would keep an eye on it, but expect a few more scouting trips before anything happens.