Report: Everton leading the race to sign 25-goal forward | OneFootball

Everton Transfer News: Ayase Ueda Chase Signals Ambitious Striker Plan

Everton’s search for attacking reinforcement appears to have led them towards one of European football’s most productive forwards, with Sports Boom reporting that the club are leading the chase for Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda.

The Japan international has delivered a remarkable campaign in the Netherlands, scoring 25 goals in 31 matches during the 2025/26 Eredivisie season. That return has moved him from respected forward to serious Premier League target, with Everton, Brighton and Leeds United all monitoring developments.

Sports Boom report that Ueda has “taken Dutch football by storm this season”, and that assessment feels fair. At 27, he sits in the prime years of his career, with the kind of penalty-box efficiency that Premier League clubs often pay a premium to secure.

Feyenoord signed Ueda from Cercle Brugge in 2023 for €8 million, when he initially found himself behind Santiago Gimenez. His rise since then has been significant, both in output and status. The Rotterdam club now value him in the region of €30 million to €35 million, a figure that reflects form, contract security and market demand.

Feyenoord Hold Strong Transfer Position

Feyenoord’s stance appears clear. Sports Boom state that the club “plans to open negotiations at the €30 million to €35 million mark”, with sources close to the outlet suggesting they “will not drop below this figure.”

That matters because Ueda’s contract runs until 2028, giving Feyenoord genuine leverage. They are under no immediate pressure to sell, especially with the player viewed as a key part of their Champions League plans.

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Still, Feyenoord’s transfer model remains relevant. The Dutch club have shown they will trade assets when the valuation suits them. Turning an €8 million signing into a €30 million-plus sale would represent a major piece of business.

For Everton, the key issue will be closing the valuation gap. Sports Boom claim the club are preparing an offer worth around £18 million to £20 million, which sits below Feyenoord’s current expectations.

Moyes Seeks Clinical Forward Profile

The Everton angle feels particularly interesting because Ueda appears to fit what David Moyes has often valued in a striker. Sports Boom describe him as “disciplined, hardworking and highly effective in the penalty box”, qualities that align with a manager who places huge importance on structure, reliability and end product.

Everton need a forward who can convert pressure into goals. Too often, their attacking work has lacked a decisive final action. Ueda’s record suggests he could offer exactly that, although the leap from Eredivisie dominance to Premier League consistency requires careful assessment.

His mobility, work ethic and penalty-box instincts make him an attractive option, especially for a club trying to build momentum and give supporters a signing with purpose.

Brighton and Leeds Add Transfer Pressure

Brighton’s interest comes through their recruitment model and tactical structure. Sports Boom report that Ueda’s profile has been viewed as “highly compatible” with Fabian Hurzeler’s system. With Danny Welbeck ageing and Brighton looking to refresh their forward rotation, that interest makes sense.

Leeds United also have a clear angle. The presence of Ao Tanaka at Elland Road could help make the move more appealing for Ueda, both culturally and football-wise. Leeds want a proven finisher as they look to establish themselves in the Premier League.

Even so, Everton appear the most concrete name in the race. Their challenge now is financial. If they can move closer to Feyenoord’s asking price, Ueda could become a serious statement of intent.

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From an Everton perspective, this report from Sports Boom feels exciting, but also slightly familiar. The club have been linked with plenty of forwards before, and the real question always becomes whether Everton can actually get the deal over the line.

Ayase Ueda’s numbers are impossible to ignore. Twenty-five goals in 31 Eredivisie matches is a proper striker’s return, and Everton fans would understandably look at that record and think, this is exactly the type of player the team has missed. A forward who attacks space, presses willingly and finishes chances could change the entire mood around the attack.

The concern is price. If Feyenoord want €30 million to €35 million and Everton are closer to £18 million to £20 million, there is a decent gap to bridge. Supporters have seen enough slow transfer chases to know that valuation gaps can kill momentum quickly.

Still, there is logic here. Moyes needs a striker with discipline and penalty-box clarity. Ueda seems to offer both. Brighton being involved is also a warning sign, because their recruitment department rarely wastes time on poor fits.

For Everton, this would feel like more than a squad addition. It would feel like a club trying to give the fans something sharp, modern and ambitious. If the money works, this one deserves serious attention.