Porto manager Francesco Farioli has let it be known publicly know that he wishes to keep defender Zaidu Sanusi in January, despite Leeds United circling for him.

Leeds are long-term admirers of the left-back, who they considered as a signing when thy were promoted to the Premier League in 2025.

They ultimately didn’t make a move that summer but have continued to monitor Zaidu as a signing since.

He’s now back on their radar ahead of the January transfer window. At that point, the left-back will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs in Europe as his contract expires next summer.

Leeds stepping up interest

Reports in Portugal have already put Leeds at the front of the queue. Their ongoing interest was apparent earlier this month when Sport Witness reported that a scout had been at Porto’s game with PSV.

We suggested that Zaidu could be the target of that scout’s attention. Eight days later, various reports in Portugal were outright saying that was the case.

They indicated that Leeds had already been making overtures, after previously showing an interest in the 29-year-old. Among those reports, it was made clear that Porto were looking to get a new contract sorted for the defender.

That had, reportedly, been encouraged by Farioli. He had made it clear to Porto’s management that he saw Sanusi as a part of his long-term plans and would like to keep him.

Farioli questioned

Now, Farioli has been asked directly. In his press conference today, he was asked what his plans for the player are, and if he would be reluctant to lose him in January.

“I had a conversation with him a few weeks ago,” the Porto manager said.

“I trust him and give him opportunities, and he repays that trust with good performances. We’re still a long way from January, and when the time comes, we’ll see what happens. He’s a player I like having with us.”

Whether Leeds do move, remains to be seen. They will perhaps want to get another couple of scouting missions under their belt before doing so.

A left-back could hardly be described as a necessity at this point. But the free-agent part may be what is tempting them. With Porto looking to sign Zaidu to a new deal, that could be taken away. Either way, it’s one to watch as we approach January.