Arne Slot's Liverpool will be a side to watch out for in January.placeholder image
Arne Slot's Liverpool will be a side to watch out for in January. | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool are considering signing a new striker as a short-term replacement for the injured Alexander Isak
An update from Dutch media has poured cold water on Liverpool’s reported interest in a former Arne Slot player. The Reds are considering new options up front following Alexander Isak’s latest injury setback.
Liverpool’s record signing will be out for months after undergoing surgery on a fractured fibula. Isak suffered the injury after scoring just his second goal for his new club, when the Reds edged out Tottenham Hotspur before the Christmas break.
The Premier League champions are now on the market for a potential short-term replacement for Isak. Liverpool are looking to relieve the pressure now on Hugo Ekitike’s shoulders, especially with Champions League action to factor in as well.
Liverpool links with former Arne Slot star debunked
A number of names have been linked with Liverpool over the last week and Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda is one of them. However, a report from the Netherlands has shut down suggestions the Reds are considering a move for the Japanese international in the new year.
According to credible Dutch outlet 1908.nl, Feyenoord have ‘no reason’ to be concerned about an early exit for their star striker. The report claims there has been ‘no contact’ between Slot’s current and former clubs, nor has there been any indication of ‘concrete interest’ shown in Ueda.
Talks suggesting Liverpool will make a move for the 27-year-old ‘must be dismissed as myths’ at this point. It has been suggested that the overall idea of Feyenoord letting Ueda leave is unlikely, as the Eredivisie is no longer viewed as a league that feeds other more desired divisions.
As things stand, Feyenoord are second in the Dutch league and Ueda is the division’s top goal-scorer this season, with 18 goals in 17 games on his tally so far.
Ayase Ueda trophy win with Arne Slot
Ueda signed for Feyenoord in August 2023, while Slot was still in charge of the club. The Japanese striker played under the 47-year-old for just one season before the manager moved to Merseyside. In that time, Feyenoord won the KNVB Cup, which a Dutch tournament based on the format of the FA Cup.
Ueda played in every game he was eligible for, missing only the round of 16 clash against PSV due to being called up to his national team. Feyenoord beat Eredivisie rivals NEC Nijmegen in a narrow 1-0 win in the final, to lift the Cup for the 14th time in their history.
Ueda was given limited starts in the Eredivisie but he ended his maiden season with a bang. The 27-year-old notched five goal-scoring contributions in his last four league games of the season.
Injuries have impacted Ueda during his time at Feyenoord and given him limited opportunities but he is back to full fitness this season and in superb form. The striker particularly impressed with four goals scored against PEC Zwolle earlier this month.
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