Zaidu Sanusi was back in action for FC Porto as the Portuguese champions opened their 2026/27 pre-season with a 1-1 draw against Scottish Premiership side Hibernian in a behind closed doors friendly.

The match, played at Porto’s Jorge Costa Training and Football Development Centre, marked head coach Francesco Farioli’s first fixture in charge of pre-season preparations. Sanusi was included in the squad after an extended summer break following his international duties with the Super Eagles.

Porto dominated large stretches of the game and took the lead just before half-time through Borja Sainz, though three further efforts, two from Sainz and one from Victor Froholdt, were ruled out by officials. Alan Varela struck the crossbar and new signing Gabri Veiga hit the post from a free kick as the hosts continued to create chances. Hibernian battled back, though, and levelled in the 80th minute through a Felix Passlack volley, with goalkeeper Sallinger then making two important late saves to preserve the draw.

Porto’s preparations continue with a training camp in England at St George’s Park from July 13 to 18, followed by a friendly against Al-Arabi SC on July 16 and a high profile clash with Aston Villa at the Estadio do Dragao on July 25. The club then opens its competitive campaign in early August in the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira.

Off the pitch, Sanusi’s situation carries just as much weight. He has one year left on his current contract, expiring in June 2027, and Porto are reportedly working to extend his stay with an improved two year deal to avoid losing him for free. That said, the matter remains unresolved. Sanusi turned down a Premier League move in January, and clubs including Atalanta and Leeds United are said to be monitoring the situation. He also faces genuine competition for the left-back spot from Francisco Moura, making every pre-season appearance significant as he looks to convince Farioli of his place in the starting lineup.