Zaidu Sanusi Gets Fresh Start at FC Porto Under New Manager
Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi has been given a new chance to prove himself at FC Porto, as he joins the club’s pre-season training camp under new manager Francesco Farioli.
The 28-year-old Nigerian left-back struggled with injuries over the last two seasons, making only three appearances in the 2024–25 campaign and five in the season before that.
Despite rumours linking him with a move away — including interest from English club Leeds United — Sanusi has been named among the 29 players selected by Farioli for pre-season training. This shows the coach wants to take a closer look at him before making decisions about the squad.
In contrast, four players — Samuel Portugal, Fábio Cardoso, Romário Baró, and André Franco — have been left out and are now free to find new clubs.
Sanusi, now fully fit again, is hoping to regain the form that once made him a key player at Porto. Since joining from Santa Clara in August 2020, he has enjoyed memorable moments, including scoring in the UEFA Champions League against Marseille and netting a last-minute winner against rivals Benfica in May 2022 to help Porto win their 30th league title.
With a new manager and a fresh start, this pre-season could be Sanusi’s big chance to restart his career at the Estádio do Dragão — unless a strong transfer offer arrives before the window closes.
