Leeds United’s hopes of securing automated promotion to the Premier League suffered a blow this week, because the membership dropped from first to 3rd within the Championship standings.
Only a single level separates them from second-placed Sheffield United, whereas Burnley sit narrowly forward on the summit.
With solely six fixtures remaining within the common season, each sport now carries vital weight within the Whites’ bid to reclaim a top-two spot.
Regardless of the continuing promotion battle, Leeds are already getting ready for the upcoming summer time switch window.
Whether or not Leeds return to the Premier League or face one other yr within the Championship, strengthening the squad stays a transparent precedence for the membership’s hierarchy.
One potential reinforcement is Nigerian worldwide Zaidu Sanusi, at present on the books at Portuguese giants FC Porto.
Zaidu Sanusi linked with summer time change to Leeds
In line with Africa Foot, Leeds have opened talks with the Portuguese giants over a possible deal for the Nigerian worldwide.
The proposed deal is alleged to incorporate a four-year contract operating till 2029, with an estimated switch price within the area of £1.75 million.
Crucially, each the participant and Porto are reportedly open to the transfer, making this a switch value monitoring because the summer time window approaches.
Zaidu, beforehand needed by West Ham, started his journey in Portuguese soccer in 2016 with Gil Vicente, later gaining worthwhile expertise throughout a mortgage spell at SC Mirandela.
His standout performances at C.D. Santa Clara earned him a transfer to FC Porto in 2020, the place he rapidly established himself as a daily starter and contributed to the membership’s home successes.
Nevertheless, the Nigerian full-back has endured a troublesome spell over the previous yr. A critical cruciate ligament damage dominated him out for a big portion of final season.
Although he has since returned to full health, Zaidu has struggled for sport time, making solely eight appearances within the present marketing campaign and often discovering himself on the bench.
Whereas Zaidu brings top-level expertise and Champions League pedigree, his latest damage historical past and lack of match sharpness increase reputable considerations over whether or not he’s the suitable match for a promotion-chasing Leeds aspect.
For now, Leeds United’s speedy focus should stay on the pitch. With six essential video games left, regaining a spot within the automated promotion locations would be the prime precedence.
Nevertheless, ought to the membership safe a return to the Premier League—or even when they fall quick—a transfer for Zaidu Sanusi could possibly be one of many early tales of their summer time rebuild.
