Salary, Market Value and Prospects of FC Porto Defender Zaidu Sanusi

Key FC Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi is facing uncertainties in his position within the squad due to a series of injuries. Despite signing a new contract with FC Porto on improved terms in 2022, the Nigerian defender has encountered a reduction in playing time over the past two seasons compared to his first years with the Portuguese club. 

Nonetheless, Sanusi, trusted by the coaching staff, continues to strive for a spot in the starting lineup during intervals between his recovery. Kick Off Nigeria dives into the player’s finances. 

Sanusi’s Salary at FC Porto

Having joined the Portuguese team in the summer of 2020, the Nigerian national team defender has spent two successful years, winning four trophies with FC Porto. His contract extension, valid until June 30, 2027, brings him a total of €3,120,000 over four years, excluding bonuses. For the 2023/2024 season, Sanusi is set to earn €780,000, equivalent to €15,000 per week.

Team Salary Overview

In the 2023/2024 season, FC Porto’s total wage bill amounts to €31,480,000, or €605,385 per week, with only S.L. Benfica spending more on salaries. Pepe, the team’s highest-paid player, receives €2,880,000 per year, or €55,385 per week. Zaidu Sanusi ranks 17th in the salary hierarchy, placing 11th among all foreign players in the Portuguese club. Despite not being among the top earners, he is the second-highest-paid African player in the Primeira Liga, surpassed only by Ze Luis from S.C. Farense.

Career Salary Comparison 

Zaidu Sanusi’s career took a positive turn after joining FC Porto, winning trophies and securing a significant salary increase. However, his transfer value has fluctuated due to injuries. Despite missing several matches in the 2022/2023 season, Sanusi remained a key player, contributing to the team’s success. However, recent seasons have seen a consistent decline in his transfer value, currently estimated at €3 million according to Transfermarkt.

Market Value: Decline Despite Trophies and Playing Time

Zaidu Sanusi’s market value initially saw a significant increase when he signed with the elite Portuguese team. During his season with C.D. Santa Clara, the Nigerian set his own goal-scoring record, netting four goals, helping the club secure a mid-table position, and attracting the attention of top clubs. Consequently, his transfer value soared by 20 times. Upon joining FC Porto, Sanusi quickly became a mainstay, playing 41 matches across all competitions, scoring two goals, and providing an assist. Thanks to his impressive performance and statistics, the market value of the Nigerian defender doubled once again.

However, a setback occurred due to an injury at the beginning of the 2021/2022 season, resulting in a €2 million reduction in Sanusi’s transfer value. Despite this, upon his return to the field, the defender missed only four matches, three of which were due to his call-up to the national team for the African Cup of Nations. As a key player, Sanusi played a crucial role in FC Porto securing a championship double —winning both the league and the Portuguese Cup. At the end of the season, the Nigerian defender earned a new contract, and his market value increased by over 1.5 times, reaching its peak.

However, over the last two seasons, Sanusi’s transfer value has consistently declined. Despite remaining a core player in the 2022/2023 season and winning three trophies with the team, injuries forced him to miss half of the matches. This negatively impacted his market value, which decreased by 1.5 times in a year. In the current season, Zaidu Sanusi has yet to overcome injuries, leading to a further halving of his transfer value. Currently, Transfermarkt estimates the market value of the Nigerian defender at €3 million.

National Team Achievements 

Debuting for the Nigerian national team in 2020, Zaidu Sanusi has since become a regular presence, participating in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and earning 15 caps with three assists. Despite a challenging season in 2023/2024, success in the AFCON could bolster Sanusi’s chances of regaining a starting position at FC Porto.

Football and Financial Prospects

The 2023/2024 season has been challenging for Zaidu Sanusi, marked by injuries that limited his playing time. Despite featuring in only nine matches across all competitions, the Nigerian defender managed to score a goal against Vitoria S.C. A strong performance in the AFCON could serve as a catalyst for Sanusi to reclaim his place in FC Porto’s starting lineup.