Everton have identified Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda as a potential summer transfer target, according to sources at TEAMtalk. The 27-year-old Japan international is also being monitored by fellow Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, and recently promoted Leeds United, setting up a potential multi-club battle for his signature.
Ueda has enjoyed a prolific season in the Eredivisie, scoring 26 goals across all competitions for the Dutch champions. This marks a significant improvement on his first two campaigns in Rotterdam, where he netted a combined 12 times after joining from Cercle Osaka for a club-record €10 million in 2023. His current form has propelled him into the spotlight ahead of the summer window and the upcoming World Cup, where he is expected to lead the line for Japan.
The interest from Everton aligns with manager David Moyes's desire to add more competition and quality to his forward line. The club's current striking options, Beto and Thierno Barry, have struggled for consistent output this season. With Everton's new ownership, The Friedkin Group, planning an ambitious summer rebuild, a new centre-forward is considered a top priority. Ueda is one of four confirmed striker targets, with the club also retaining interest in Chelsea's Liam Delap, Bologna's Santiago Castro, and AZ Alkmaar's Troy Parrott.
Feyenoord have not yet set an official asking price for Ueda, though his current market valuation is estimated at around €15 million (£13 million). Sources suggest this figure may be considered low given his importance to Arne Slot's side and his current goal-scoring form. The final fee, and Everton's ability to meet it, could be influenced by the club's need to strengthen multiple other positions, including both full-back roles, centre-back, midfield, and the wing.
While Moyes has historically favoured players with Premier League experience, the scarcity of available, proven strikers may force a look abroad. Ueda's adaptation to European football, after an initial settling-in period, demonstrates a resilience that could appeal to Everton's recruitment team. His potential arrival would offer a different profile to the existing forwards at Goodison Park.
The Toffees' striker search remains in its early stages, and more names are expected to be linked as the window approaches. However, Ueda's emergence as a concrete target signals a clear intent to address a key area of weakness. Whether Everton can fend off rival interest from other top-flight clubs will depend on their final budget and the persuasiveness of their project under the new ownership regime.
