Leeds United are plotting a move for one of European football’s most in-form strikers, and the signing would represent a statement of intent from a club determined to push beyond survival next season.
Daniel Farke guided the Whites to Premier League safety in their first season back in the top flight, but the German is under no illusions about what is needed to establish the club as a genuine force in 2026-27.
Reinforcing the attack is the clear priority, and Leeds United have already been linked with free agent Harry Wilson as they look to bring in proven quality to their wide areas.
Now, a far more ambitious pursuit has emerged in the striker position. The target is a player who dominated one of Europe’s most competitive leagues this season, and his club have already indicated they will drive a hard bargain for his services.
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Leeds United plot move for Ayase Ueda as Feyenoord set £25.9m asking price
According to SportsBoom, Leeds United are among the clubs closely monitoring Ayase Ueda, the 27-year-old forward who finished as the Eredivisie’s second-top scorer in the recently concluded season with 25 goals in 31 appearances.
Feyenoord signed Ueda from Cercle Brugge for £6.9million in 2023, and after he emerged from Santiago Gimenez’s shadow to become the club’s undisputed attacking focal point, the Rotterdam side are now planning to open negotiations at £25.9m to £30.2m.
The Dutch club hold strong leverage, as Ueda is contracted until 2028 and is viewed as a key component of their UEFA Champions League squad, meaning they will not be rushed into a sale regardless of who comes calling.
For Leeds, an interesting dynamic exists beyond the purely footballing case, as the presence of Japanese international Ao Tanaka at Elland Road creates a natural cultural and sporting appeal for Ueda – a factor the club are believed to view as a genuine advantage over rivals Everton and Brighton.
Both those Premier League clubs are also monitoring the forward, with Everton said to be currently leading the race.
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What Ueda would bring to Leeds
Clinical, disciplined and highly effective inside the penalty box, Ueda represents precisely the elite finishing that Farke needs to take Leeds to the next level.
Whether the finances stack up against Feyenoord’s valuation is the defining question.
Ueda is hoping to follow up on an impressive campaign at Feyenoord with a successful 2026 FIFA World Cup run with Japan in North America.
He will be in action when the Samurai Blue lock horns with the Netherlands on Sunday, 14 June.
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