Atalanta reportedly interested in Super Eagles star

Atalanta, the 2024 Europa League champions, are reportedly looking to sign Nigerian left‑back Zaidu Sanusi from FC Porto ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Afrik‑Foot.

Sanusi moved to Porto from Santa Clara in 2020 and, after a slow start, became a key member of the squad. He scored the decisive goal in a 1–0 victory over Benfica in May 2022, a result that secured Porto’s 30th Portuguese league title in the 2021–22 season.

His progress stalled the following campaign due to a series of injuries, including an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee. The setback caused him to miss a large portion of the next few seasons, but he returned to action last year.

Zaidu Sanusi in action for FC Porto. Photo by IMAGO

During the summer of 2023, Sanusi was linked with a move away from Porto, with Leeds United among the clubs expressing interest. He chose to stay in Portugal and fight for his place in the team.

The decision paid off when he was reintegrated into the squad earlier in the campaign and played a significant role as Porto captured the Portuguese league title for the 31st time.

Zaidu Sanusi: Atalanta identify Super Eagles defender as top target

Sanusi’s contract with Porto runs until the end of the 2026–27 season, and no extension has been agreed. This uncertainty has sparked speculation that he could depart this summer, with several clubs monitoring the situation.

Footy‑Africa reports that Atalanta are exploring a potential move for the Nigerian defender and have already inquired about his availability ahead of the summer transfer window.

Seko Fofana and Zaidu Sanusi FC Porto. Copyright: xRitaxFrancaxIMAGO

After a difficult 2024 campaign, Atalanta missed out on UEFA Champions League qualification and finished the season without silverware, falling short in several competitions. The club now seeks to strengthen its squad for the next season, with Sanusi seen as an experienced player who could contribute on the pitch and in the locker room with his leadership.

Sanusi is valued at around €3 million, while Porto reportedly wants about €7 million. A sale this summer could be considered if no new contract is agreed, to avoid losing him for free when his current deal expires.

Zaidu Sanusi. Copyright: xRitaxFrancaxImago

With the Portuguese league season over, Sanusi will now focus on the Super Eagles’ upcoming friendly matches against Poland and Portugal next month. The 28‑year‑old hopes a strong performance will bolster his claim for the left‑back position ahead of Bruno Onyemaechi, before returning to Porto where a final decision on his future is expected.

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Ayomide Oguntimehin

Editor Site Coordinator

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF‑accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng & Afrik Foot. He has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, Topmercato, and Milan News24, among others. He holds a master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X: @ayo_oguntimehin.