Wolves plotting summer move for FC Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi

Wolves are plotting a summer transfer swoop for FC Porto’s €20million-rated left-back Zaidu Sanusi and have already established contacts with his representatives.

Zaidu Sanusi could join Wolves

Zaidu Sanusi, 23, has impressed for FC Porto this season, helping them win Portugal’s Super Cup since arriving from Primeira Liga rivals Santa Clara last year. The Nigerian international has made 39 across all competitions this season, including 23 in Liga Nos, as FC Porto remain four points adrift of table-toppers Sporting Lisbon after the completion of 28 games.

The 23-year-old has also established himself as the first-choice left-back for his national team, and his rapid rise for club and country hasn’t gone unnoticed in Europe. Having signed a five-year contract with Porto last August, the Portuguese giants are in no hurry to sell Sanusi after just one impressive campaign as they believe the left-back will get better offers if he spends another season and improves his game more.

Wolves haven’t been great defensively this season                 

Wolves have had an up and down season in the Premier League after finishing an impressive seventh on the table last term. The injuries and form of some of their key players have disrupted their campaign, leaving the Wanderers 12th in the standings after the completion of 32 games.

Since arriving at Molineux, Nuno Espirito Santo has built a Wolves side with a strong base at the back. Nuno’s 3-4-3 system has proven to be effective in the Premier League, with many teams having struggled to pierce their backline and score goals.

Wolves conceded 40 goals in the entire 2019/20 campaign, which was less than the likes of Chelsea, Leicester City, Tottenham and Arsenal. However, things haven’t been plain sailing for them at the back, with Nuno’s men conceding 41 goals in 32 games already. Teams have found it easier to breach the Wanderers’ backline this time around, forcing Nuno to chop and change the system and personnel often.

The Wanderers could do well with a new left wing-back

It is very clear that the Black Country outfit are in need of defensive reinforcements to challenge for a place in the top six next term. So, a young and talented centre-back should be prioritised by Nuno this summer. In addition to a central defender, the Portuguese tactician should also go for a new left-back.

Summer signings Fernando Marcal and Rayan Ait-Nouri haven’t done enough to cement a place at left wing-back, with the former’s season hit with injury problems. Wolves’ fan favourite Jonny Otto returned back from a long injury layoff in February, only to suffer a recurrence of a serious knee injury that has ruled him out for the rest of the campaign. As for Ruben Vinagre, he spent the first half of the campaign on loan with Greek giants Olympiakos and then the second half in his native at Famalicao.

With that in mind, Wolves signing Zaidu Sanusi would make sense. Sanusi has performed very well for FC Porto, becoming one of Sergio Conceicao’s most important players this season. His ability to play at left-back or at left wing-back could make him perfect for Nuno’s preferred 3-4-3 system. The 23-year-old still has his best years ahead of him and working under a manager like Nuno could see him unlock his true potential.

All in all, Sanusi has all the makings of coming through the door at Molineux as an excellent long-term investment.

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