Sanusi Al-Qadsiah move is gathering pace as Porto consider a €10m sale of the Super Eagles defender amid stalled contract talks

Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi, FC Porto and Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah are at the centre of a developing transfer situation in Portugal on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, with Al-Qadsiah reportedly exploring a move for the 29-year-old left-back and Porto prepared to consider a sale worth around €10 million.

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Sanusi has entered the final year of his Porto contract, with his current deal understood to run until June 30, 2027. Negotiations over a possible two-year extension have reportedly stalled, with salary demands emerging as a significant obstacle.

The situation has encouraged Porto to consider a summer transfer rather than risk losing an experienced defender for nothing next year.

Reports from Portugal and other football outlets indicate that Al-Qadsiah have already held discussions with Porto over a possible deal.

Porto are understood to value Sanusi at approximately €10 million. The figure would represent a sizeable return for a player whose contract situation has made his long-term future increasingly uncertain.

There has been no indication that a final agreement has been reached, meaning the Sanusi Al-Qadsiah move remains dependent on negotiations between the two clubs and the player’s own terms.

Sanusi joined Porto from Santa Clara in August 2020 after impressing during his time with the island club.

Porto’s official profile records that he arrived after making 27 appearances for Santa Clara during the 2019/20 campaign.

The Nigerian quickly became an important part of the Porto squad and has enjoyed a successful spell in Portugal.

His honours include two Portuguese league titles, two Portuguese Cups, the 2023 League Cup and two Portuguese Super Cups.

Sanusi also produced one of the memorable moments of Porto’s recent history when he scored the decisive goal at Benfica’s Estádio da Luz in 2022, helping Porto secure their 30th Portuguese league title.

The left-back remains an established Nigeria international. His experience with the Super Eagles, combined with his extensive European club experience, adds to his appeal as Al-Qadsiah assess the possibility of bringing him to Saudi Arabia.

Sanusi also featured regularly for Porto during the 2025/26 season, making 17 Liga Portugal appearances and eight Europa League appearances, according to available career data.

For Porto, the decision carries a delicate balance. The club could retain a proven defender for another season, but doing so without securing an extension could leave Porto vulnerable to losing Sanusi without a transfer fee in 2027.

For Al-Qadsiah, meanwhile, a move for the Nigerian would provide a chance to add a seasoned defender entering the prime years of his career.

The Saudi club’s interest gives Sanusi an intriguing option as he weighs the next chapter of a trophy-rich six-year spell in Portugal.

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No player or club statement confirming the transfer has been released, and the proposed €10 million deal should therefore be regarded as a reported valuation rather than an agreed fee.