Zaidu Sanusi blocked from joining Premier League on deadline day.

Nigeria international and Porto left back, Zaidu Sanusi saw his dream move to one the most watched leagues blocked on deadline day.

The 24-year-old left back was reportedly on the verge of joining WestHam United during the transfer window but was blocked by Sergio Conceicao, according to his agent.

O Jogo (print edition, September 1st) claimed that Hammers boss David Moyes tried to bring the Porto ace to the London Stadium on deadline day in order to provide more competition for Aaron Cresswell.

West Ham were reported to have failed to meet Porto’s asking price for the Super Eagles defender. (Record (print edition September 6th, page 9).

However, it appears that this may not have been the case.

According owngoal, Sanusi’s agent claimed that Porto manager Conceicao changed his mind and denied his client of a move.

“We got the message the coach (Conceicao) wanted him to stay. It was unexpected as we thought he had one foot out of the club. He made it clear Zaidu is part of his plans and Wendell, the new left-back, isn’t coming in to take his spot. He explained how he believes the competition for a starting berth will improve Zaidu in the long run. Conceicao was also clear he sees Ivan Marcano as a centre-back, even though he played him more as a left-back recently. It’s a fresh start for Zaidu and he has to pick up pace again to make the spot his, like it has always been. He’s up for the challenge and hopefully he will triumph.” 

Despite Sanusi’s huge release clause, it is believed that he was available for around £17 million in the summer (Record).

With the signing of Brazilian left back Wendell, pushing him down the pecking order, Sanusi is yet to feature in the Primera Liga this season, despite playing 25 times last season.

With transfer window now closed in all leagues across Europe, Sanusi, who has £50m release clause has now been handed another opportunity to put his career at FC Porto back on track after making a return back in the squad as he started against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.