Ueda Ayase's Stellar Season and World Cup Form Attract EPL, Bundesliga Interest

Japanese international Ayase UedaPlayer·Ayase Ueda has emerged as one of Europe's most sought-after forwards, with clubs from the English Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League and German BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga reportedly initiating approaches for the FeyenoordTeam·Feyenoord star. The 27-year-old's exceptional form throughout the 2025/26 season and his decisive contributions at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World CupCompetition·2026 FIFA World Cup have significantly elevated his profile in the transfer market.

Ueda's club career has seen a steady ascent since his move to Europe. After joining Kashima AntlersTeam·Kashima Antlers in Japan, he transitioned to Club BruggeTeam·Club Brugge in Belgium before making a significant move to FeyenoordTeam·Feyenoord in 2023. With the Dutch giants, he has accumulated 40 goals and 6 assists in 108 matches. The 2025/26 EredivisieCompetition·Eredivisie season marked a career highlight, as Ueda netted 25 goals in 30 matches, securing the top scorer title and becoming the first Japanese player to achieve this feat. Across all competitions, he registered 26 goals in 38 appearances, maintaining an average FotMob rating of 7.46.

His impressive club form seamlessly translated to the international stage at the 2026 FIFA World CupCompetition·2026 FIFA World Cup. Under head coach Hajime Moriyasu, Ueda started both of Japan's Group F matches. His standout performance came in the second group fixture against Tunisia, where he delivered a remarkable two goals and one assist, leading Japan to a commanding 4-0 victory. This achievement made him the first Japanese player to score multiple goals in a single World Cup match, earning him the Man of the Match award. Japan's four-goal tally also marked a historic first for an Asian nation in a World Cup fixture. Japan currently sits second in Group F with four points, trailing the Netherlands on goals scored, with their final group stage match against Sweden on June 25th set to determine their progression.

Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that despite Ueda being under contract with FeyenoordTeam·Feyenoord until 2028, a summer departure is a distinct possibility. FeyenoordTeam·Feyenoord, who secured the Dutch Super CupCompetition·Dutch Super Cup in 2024/25 and the KNVB CupCompetition·KNVB Cup in 2023/24, values Ueda highly as a key component of their UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League aspirations. However, the club's financial model suggests that a substantial offer could facilitate a move. Reports indicate FeyenoordTeam·Feyenoord is seeking a transfer fee of at least €25 million, with some valuations reaching as high as €30 million to €35 million.

Several Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League clubs have been linked with the prolific striker, including Tottenham HotspurTeam·Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove AlbionTeam·Brighton & Hove Albion, EvertonTeam·Everton, Leeds UnitedTeam·Leeds United, and Nottingham ForestTeam·Nottingham Forest. EvertonTeam·Everton is reportedly preparing an initial offer in the range of £18 million to £20 million, though this figure falls below FeyenoordTeam·Feyenoord's stated asking price. While specific BundesligaCompetition·Bundesliga clubs have not been publicly named, interest from Germany's top flight is confirmed. The coming weeks are expected to bring further developments as clubs vie for the signature of Japan's rising star.