Fresh claim regarding interest from Leeds United, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur in Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda emerges
Leeds United have reportedly identified Feyenoord marksman Ayase Ueda as a key target for the summer transfer window.
The 27-year-old has been among Europe’s most impressive frontmen this season, weighing in with 26 goals across 39 appearances in all competitions.
Ayase Ueda has scored 26 goals for Dutch outfit Feyenoord this season.placeholder image
Ayase Ueda has scored 26 goals for Dutch outfit Feyenoord this season. | Bas CZERWINSKI / ANP / AFP via Getty Images
Leeds United identify Ayase Ueda as ‘key target’
Football Insider have now linked Leeds with the forward, claiming he has been identified as a key target for the West Yorkshire club.
It has been suggested Feyenoord are reluctant to lose such an important figure but that their resolve could be weakened by a big offer.
Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be chasing a deal for Ueda, who featured for Japan in their 1-0 win over England in March.
Ueda would add a different dimension to the Leeds attack, which was strengthened by the arrivals of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha last summer. Joel Piroe, last season’s top scorer has been pushed down the pecking order and it would not be a surprise to see him depart in the coming months.
Ayase Ueda featured for Japan against England last month.placeholder image
Ayase Ueda featured for Japan against England last month. | Bradley Collyer/PA Wire
‘Leeds written all over him’
Back in December, European football expert Andy Brassell suggested Ueda as a potential option for Leeds. During an appearance on talkSPORT, he said: “I wonder if a bottom-half Premier League team has a dart for him next summer or maybe even as early as January, depending on where they’re at.
“He’s kind of got Leeds written all over him. There’s a lot to like about them, but where are the guys putting it in the back of the net?
“There are big question marks over the sustainability over the period of a season for both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha. If you’re Feyenoord and a Premier League club come in with a proper offer, I think it’s quite hard to say no. However ambitious [Feyenoord boss] Robin van Persie is, I think a big offer tempts you.”
A move to Elland Road would unite Ueda with his international teammate Ao Tanaka, who has been on the books in LS11 since the summer of 2024.