[EPN NPNow reporter Yoon Dong-geun] Ayase Ueda, the Japan international forward, has emerged as a prime transfer target for several English Premier League clubs. Everton has formally added Ueda to its shortlist for attacking reinforcements and now faces competition from Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton.
This season at Feyenoord, Ueda scored 26 goals in 38 official appearances, a performance that turned heads across Europe. Under manager Robin van Persie he secured a starting role and significantly boosted his scoring after two seasons spent adapting to the league.
Ueda has carried that form to the international stage as well, scoring 16 goals in 38 caps for Japan.
Everton, eager to bolster its attack, has included Ueda on a final shortlist that also features Liam Delap, Santiago Castro and Troy Parrott. Manager David Moyes is clearly aiming to increase competition for current forwards Beto and Tierno Bari.
The club has indicated it will invest actively in the summer transfer window. With a realistic chance of qualifying for European competition next season, Everton plans to strengthen multiple areas — not just the striker position but also fullback, center-back, midfield and wing options.
Feyenoord has not announced a formal asking price for Ueda, but sources estimate his market value at about €15 million (approximately $16.05 million; around 26 billion KRW [approximately $19.5 million]). Moyes’s preference for players with Premier League experience could complicate talks, but Ueda’s breakout season should only sharpen Everton’s interest.
Photo: TeamTalk, Yonhap News/AFP
