Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Evan Lloyd

Sat 2 May 2026 12:14, UK

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Ayase Ueda is reportedly on the list of Everton’s top options for a new striker to challenge Beto and Thierno Barry this summer.

The Japan international has enjoyed a brilliant season for Feyenoord and is the Eredivisie’s top scorer by a long way, netting 25 goals so far.

Fellow Everton target Troy Parrott has scored just 15 in comparison, although the Ireland international remains a strong option.

David Moyes is looking for a more consistent alternative to Beto and Barry, who have both struggled at various points this season.

Everton transfer chiefs reportedly have several strikers on their radar, with Ueda now emerging amongst them.

Robin van Persie loves Ayase Ueda

Football Insider exclusively revealed this week that Everton will have to pay £30million to sign Liam Delap this summer, but transfer chiefs may be minded to look elsewhere.

Ueda is under contract at Feyenoord until 2028, and would likely be expected to attract a similar type of fee.

The forward joined the Dutch giants from Cercle Brugge in 2023, and enjoyed two fairly successful opening seasons.

It is under Robin van Persie that he has exploded, however. The former Arsenal striker was appointed in February 2025 and has overseen Ueda’s transformation into a 25-goal forward.

Feyenoord have missed out on the title, but they are currently in the driving seat to finish second and qualify for the Champions League.

That could grant them some protection from rival interest in their star forward, but the Premier League presents money on a different level entirely. According to TeamTalk, Everton, Leeds and Tottenham are interested.

Speaking in October, Van Persie was asked about keeping Ueda’s head up and said: “By simply approaching him the way we always do. With Ayase, that isn’t an extra challenge either, because he has such a good mindset and a great growth mindset. He wants to get better every day.

“On a personal level, I don’t need to manage him in a certain way, as you might have to with a different type of character. I don’t need to manage his character. Whether he scores a hundred goals or not, Ayase is always the same as a person.”

“He is so hungry to get a little better at something every single time. One day that is in the gym, the next day on the training pitch, and then during the match. He is super open, extremely coachable, and eager to learn.

“From my point of view, it is a joy to work with him. He is the textbook example, not only for professional footballers but also for youth players, of how to approach the game.”

Van Persie confirms worry about Ueda exit

Ueda’s exit this summer would have massive potential ramifications for Feyenoord, even if they do secure a sizable fee.

The forward is by far the leading scorer for Van Persie’s side, with their next highest in the Eredivisie, Anis Hadj Moussa, netting just eight goals.

But in comments this week, the former Premier League forward does not sound confident that he will stay have the option of playing Ueda next season.

“From my point of view, I hope he is there next year. He is super important for us and within our style of play,” he said this week.

“He started very well, then had a somewhat weaker period, and we talked about that as well. It is nice to see that he bounced back from that; it also speaks volumes about his character.

“From his perspective, it might be a good time to make a move, but that is not up to me. I have no idea if that is realistic, but as I said: I hope he stays.”