FC Porto Line Up Contract Extension for Zaidu Sanusi Amid Saudi Pro League Interest

• FC Porto are pushing to extend Zaidu Sanusi's contract before January to avoid losing the 29-year-old Nigerian left-back, whose current deal runs until June 2027.

• Despite preliminary interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah and a two-month adductor injury, manager Francesco Farioli considers Sanusi a vital part of his set-up.

FC Porto are actively pushing to secure the long-term future of Nigeria international Zaidu Sanusi, prioritizing a contract extension despite a recent injury setback and persistent interest from abroad, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola.

The 29-year-old full-back, whose current deal runs through June 2027, reportedly attracted significant attention during the transfer window, most notably from Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah.

With the player set to enter the final stages of his contract window by January, the Portuguese heavyweights are determined to wrap up negotiations quickly to avoid losing a crucial asset for free.

Sanusi's immediate pitch action has been halted after he sustained a right adductor injury just 17 minutes into a recent match against Académico de Viseu.

Early medical evaluations indicated a recovery period of roughly two months, leaving the Nigerian on the sidelines for an extended time period.

To safeguard their options on the left flank, Porto executed a late transfer deadline deal to bring in 20-year-old Brazilian defender Souza on loan from Tottenham, joining Francisco Moura and Sanusi in a competitive left-back department.

Despite the recent physical setback, manager Francesco Farioli views Sanusi as an integral part of Porto’s core squad. The Italian tactician demonstrated his full trust in the Super Eagles star by officially registering him for the Champions League squad this campaign.

Having fended off multiple loan offers for Moura, Farioli is keen to solidify the group dynamic as the Dragons push to retain their national championship and compete across all domestic cup competitions.

A Subtle Backstage Leader at the Dragon Stadium

The former Gil Vicente man holds a vital leadership presence in the dressing room given his arrival in 2020 alongside veterans like Brazilian winger Pepê, who recently extended his own stay through 2028.

Porto’s hierarchy views Sanusi's retention as a strategic move to preserve team unity, experience, and morale during a transitional phase for the club.

The Jega United alum authored one of the most iconic moments in recent club history during the 2021–22 season, scoring a memorable late winner against bitter rivals Benfica at the Estádio da Luz to clinch Porto's 30th league title.

Even after suffering a severe knee injury in early 2024 involving a complete tear of his anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments, he fought back to register 26 appearances, a goal, and two assists in the latter half of the following campaign before reclaiming his starting berth this season.