Report: Atalanta BC eye Super Eagles star ahead of summer move

Italian side Atalanta BC have emerged as strong contenders to sign Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi ahead of the summer transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old’s future has remained uncertain heading into the summer, with just one year left on his current contract at FC Porto. There has been no agreement on an extension so far which has raised the possibility that he could be allowed to leave this summer rather than risk losing him for free next year.

Sanusi joined the Portuguese giants from Santa Clara in 2020 and has since made 154 appearances across all competitions, including 26 this season. During his time at the club, he has helped Porto win seven major trophies, including the Portuguese league title this season.

The left-back also went on to make his Super Eagles debut under former Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr in 2020 after impressing at club level. Since then, he has earned 30 caps for Nigeria and won silver and bronze medals at the 2023 and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations respectively.

Atalanta target Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi for summer move

According to reports from Africafoot, Atalanta BC have made enquiries about the availability of the Nigerian defender and are currently exploring the possibility of a move ahead of the summer transfer window.

Sanusi’s future remains uncertain due to his contract situation, with the defender now entering the final year of his deal at Porto after spending six years with the club.

The Nigerian international enjoyed a bright start to life at Porto following his arrival in 2020 and even scored the decisive goal in Porto’s 1-0 victory over Benfica during the title-deciding clash of the 2021-22 season.

However, things later became difficult for the defender as injuries began to affect his progress. The 28-year-old then suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in February 2024 and was sidelined for almost a year before returning to action in January 2025.

Following his lengthy absence, he struggled to regain a regular place in the starting lineup and was linked with a move to the Premier League last summer, particularly to Leeds United, although the transfer never materialized.

He eventually worked his way back into regular action, and his recent performances have now attracted interest from Atalanta, who are looking to strengthen their squad after a difficult campaign in which they missed out on qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

Meanwhile, Porto are reportedly willing to sanction a move for the Nigerian defender if they receive offers in the region of €7 million and a transfer would see Sanusi become the third Nigerian to feature for Atalanta after Stephen Makinwa and Ademola Lookman, who recently joined Atlético Madrid.

For now, Sanusi will be focused on impressing for Nigeria during their upcoming international fixtures. Although he was not included in the squad for next week’s Unity Cup, he will be aiming to make an impact in June’s friendly matches against Poland and Portugal, before making a decision on the next step in his career this summer.