Nigerian leftback Zaidu Sanusi signs five year deal with Portuguese giants Porto

NIGERIAN leftfullback Zaidu Sanusi has joined the ranks of Super Eagles playing making big money moves during the current transfer window after he signed a five year contract with Portuguese giants Porto.

Sanusi, 23, signed on the dotted line with the Blue and Whites over the weekend after successfully completing a medical. He joins from fellow Portuguese club Santa Clara where he was outstanding over the last season, bringing him to the attention of Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr.

Under the terms of the deal, Sanusi will remain a Porto player until the summer of 2025, joining compatriot Chigozie Awaziem on their books. Sanusi is now Porto's third signing this summer after the club also acquired the services of Claudio Ramos and Carraca.

He will link up with fellow Africans including the Senegalese duo of Mouhamed Mbaye and Mamadou Loum as well as Mali’s Moussa Marega, Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar and the Democratic Republic of the Congo's defender Chancel Mbemba. Although the actual value of the transfer has not been revealed, it is the second biggest high profile transfer of a Nigerian player following Victor Osimhen's €81m move to Napoli from Lille.

Sanusi said: “I am extremely happy to play for FC Porto. I can’t explain it but I am thrilled to wear this shirt

“I hope to do a good job and help the team, as we are going to win everything this season. The club and the fans can expect me to give everything. I received a lot of messages from FC Porto fans and that made me happy.

Way back in 2016, Sanusi joined Portuguese side Gil Vicente but did not make a single appearance for the club before he was sent on loan to Mirandela. He impressed on loan to earn a permanent deal with Mirandela in 2018 and featured 74 times for the club during his two-year stay.

He then joined Santa Clara in 2019 and made 24 league appearances for the Estadio de Sao Miguel outfit before his departure. Sanusi could make his debut for Porto when they take on Sporting Braga in their next league game on September 20.