Chelsea's role in Zaidu Sanusi's potential move to Leeds United

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Leeds United’s bid for Super Eagles left‑back Zaidu Sanusi has taken an unexpected turn, with Chelsea potentially clearing the way for Daniel Farke’s side to secure their preferred target this summer, reports Afrik Foot.

The 29‑year‑old has long been on Leeds’ radar, although the left‑back denied any contact with the Yorkshire club last year, calling reports of a four‑year contract offer false.

Sanusi’s situation in Portugal has since changed. The 32‑cap defender has only one year left on his contract with the Liga Portugal champions. While the club is ready to discuss an extension, nothing concrete has emerged.

Transfermarkt values Sanusi at €3 million, and Leeds are targeting a cost‑effective left‑back, with a fee of around €4 million expected to be sufficient if Porto’s extension talks stall.

The obstacle, however, is Leeds’ left‑back situation. Gabriel Gudmundsson was one of Farke’s most important players last season, featuring 35 times across all competitions and forming a central part of the German coach’s system. With Gudmundsson in the squad, the urgency of bringing in Sanusi was somewhat reduced. That situation has now changed.

According to MotsLeedsNews, Chelsea have emerged as a potential suitor for Gudmundsson following Marc Cucurella’s move to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Should the Swedish international depart Elland Road this summer, Leeds would be left with a void on the left side, one that Farke has already been quietly working to fill.

The German manager’s interest in both Daniel Svensson of Borussia Dortmund and PSV’s Mauro Junior has been reported, but of the options on the table, Sanusi remains the most financially prudent choice.

How Chelsea’s Gudmundsson pursuit changes Leeds’ situation

Chelsea’s interest in Gudmundsson triggers everything else in this transfer loop. The Swedish left‑back has attracted attention following a productive Premier League campaign, and if the Blues submit an offer that Leeds find difficult to refuse, Farke’s squad planning is immediately disrupted in the one area he had considered reasonably settled.

The timing is significant. Leeds have been proactive in identifying Gudmundsson replacements, but none of the alternatives on their shortlist boasts the Premier League pedigree the Swedish international has.

Svensson, at 24, is younger and potentially carries better resale value, but would cost far more to acquire from Dortmund. Mauro Junior’s release clause at PSV (€12 million) makes him an option, but his profile is less suited to Farke’s system than Zaidu, who has won the Liga Portugal and has featured in nearly 30 UEFA Champions League games.

Porto’s manager, Francesco Farioli, previously revealed that a Premier League club approached the AFCON 2025 bronze winner in January.

What a move to Leeds United means for Zaidu Sanusi

The Premier League represents a significant step up at this point in his career, especially after losing his spot in the Nigerian National team to Bruno Onyemaechi.

The 29‑year‑old became a fringe player in Porto last season, managing just 11 league starts as Farioli’s side prioritised other options at left‑back. That limited game time makes maintaining his place in Eric Chelle’s team more challenging, and a move to Leeds, where he would be expected to be a regular starter in the Premier League, would provide the platform for his international ambitions, if backed up by a proper performance.

Super Eagles star Zaidu Sanusi in action for FC Porto

The Super Eagles’ AFCON 2027 qualification campaign begins in September, and Chelle will be assessing his options at left‑back carefully over the coming months, especially after Sanusi made blunders in the June friendlies against Portugal and Poland.

If Gudmundsson departs for Stamford Bridge, Farke’s need for Sanusi becomes urgent rather than optional, and that could force both sides to make a quick decision as they remould their respective teams for the 2026/2027 season.