Amid the drama of Leeds United’s hunt for promotion, it appears that The 49ers have struck a deal to sign a player from FC Porto when the season comes to an end – Premier League, or not.
Saturday’s draw sees Leeds United’s push for promotion at the second attempt hang in the balance with Sheffield United two points clear and Leeds level with Burnley. Tim Sherwood still thinks Leeds will do it.
The summer transfer window will look incredibly different, whether Leeds are promoted or not. Should Leeds go up, The 49ers will look to activate Aaron Ramsdale’s relegation release clause at Southampton.
Failure to go up, and plenty will need to be sold to balance the books and cover the parachute payments going down from 45% to 20%. But according to Africa Foot, Leeds are closing in on an FC Porto player.
Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images
Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images
Leeds United table four-year contract to sign Porto defender
The report claims Leeds have opened talks to sign Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi. The player is keen on the move, with a deal until the summer of 2029 on the table. Leeds want to pay £1.75m to land the defender.
It is said that Leeds have held positive discussions with Porto, who are likely to be open to the Nigeria star leaving given he has only been afforded six senior appearances. His contract will expire in June 2027.
It appears that Leeds have agreed a deal regardless of whatever division they find themselves in and given Sanusi is a left-back, it is clear The 49ers are planning for life without Junior Firpo moving forward.
Photo by Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
This is a 22-time Nigeria international, a player who has clocked up 128 appearances for Porto over the last few years. But, he’s only managed six of those 128 for Porto this season, struggling to get a game.
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Promotion to the Premier League will see Leeds open themselves up a bigger pool of players to scout from, like Ramsdale. It seems strange that Leeds are tying themselves to a player only back-up at Porto.
Perhaps, failure to go up would mean Sanusi makes sense. But as things stand, Leeds are unlikely to be in the market for new signings given the uncertainty around what the summer transfer window will look like.