Leeds United are expected to prioritise signing a new striker before the summer transfer window closes as Daniel Farke looks to give his side a better chance of surviving in the Premier League next season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin carried much of Leeds United’s attacking burden last season, finishing as the club’s leading Premier League goalscorer with 14 league goals. His experience, movement and ability to occupy defenders made him one of Leeds’ most important players, but the lack of consistent support around him exposed a major weakness in the squad.
Lukas Nmecha managed just six league goals in 31 appearances, while Joel Piroe endured a frustrating campaign. The Dutch forward struggled to establish himself in the starting line-up and failed to score a single Premier League goal, leaving Leeds with very little firepower whenever Calvert-Lewin was unavailable or having an off day.
With goals difficult to come by from elsewhere in the squad, it is no surprise that Leeds have made signing another striker one of their biggest priorities this summer. The club know they cannot rely on one player to shoulder the scoring responsibility if they are serious about staying in the Premier League.
However, Leeds may now find themselves forced to spend more than expected if they want to land one of their preferred targets.
Leeds could face expensive battle for Ayase Ueda
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness believes Everton currently lead the race to sign Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda, although he admits finances could ultimately determine where the Japanese international ends up.
Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness explained that Feyenoord are demanding around £35 million for the striker, a figure Everton are currently reluctant to meet.
That could open the door for Leeds, who may be more willing to approach Feyenoord’s valuation if they identify Ueda as the right long-term investment.
“Well, normally the Premier League does win over these sorts of things with wages and glamour appeal, and building the player’s profile in his own country,” Wyness said.
“As I understand it, Feyenoord are looking at a £35m valuation; Everton are short of that at the moment. He certainly seems to be a talent. Unproven once again, though, in the Premier League.
“We’ve seen several strikers who have come over from the Eredivisie, being the next great thing and haven’t quite done it in the Premier League.
“Everton are favourites right now ahead of Leeds from what I understand, but Leeds may go further to bridge that gap with Feyenoord’s valuation, and if they do, then I think that’s going to be the key as to where it goes.
“But I think the player, from what I’m hearing, would prefer Everton if possible. I’m not yet convinced that he is Premier League material, but listen, we’ll wait and see, but that’s where I think the deal stands as we speak today.”
While Everton may currently hold the advantage, Leeds have shown throughout recent transfer windows that they are prepared to invest heavily when they believe a player can improve the squad. If the club decide Ueda is their priority target, they could yet test Feyenoord’s resolve with an improved offer.
Who is Ayase Ueda?
Ueda has quietly developed into one of Japan’s most reliable centre-forwards over the past few years. Born in Mie Prefecture, the striker first caught attention during his university days before starring for Kashima Antlers in the J1 League. His eye for goal quickly earned him recognition both domestically and internationally.
After establishing himself in Japan, he moved to Belgian side Cercle Brugge, where he adapted impressively to European football. His performances there convinced Feyenoord to bring him to the Netherlands, giving him the opportunity to compete for trophies and play in European competitions.
At Feyenoord, Ueda has continued to develop his all-round game. Although competition for places has occasionally limited his opportunities, he has consistently demonstrated his sharp movement inside the penalty area, intelligent positioning and calm finishing. His ability to score with both feet and attack crosses effectively has made him one of the Eredivisie’s most respected forwards.
Internationally, Ueda has become an important member of the Japan national team. He represented his country at the FIFA World Cup and has continued to feature regularly during World Cup qualifying campaigns. Playing alongside technically gifted teammates has helped improve his link-up play and tactical understanding, qualities that could suit the demands of Premier League football.
At 27 years old, Ueda is entering what many consider the prime years of his career. Unlike younger prospects who still require significant development, he arrives with experience in multiple leagues, European competition and international football.
Is he worth the risk?
There is naturally some uncertainty whenever a striker arrives from the Eredivisie. The Premier League is faster, more physical and considerably less forgiving, and several prolific goalscorers from the Dutch top flight have struggled to replicate their numbers in England.
However, there are reasons to believe Ueda could adapt successfully.
His game is not built purely on pace or technical ability. Instead, he relies on intelligent movement, strong anticipation and excellent finishing instincts inside the box. Those qualities often translate better across different leagues than players who depend heavily on space behind opposition defences.
Leeds also need greater variety in attack. Calvert-Lewin offers physicality, aerial presence and hold-up play, but asking him to play every minute of a demanding Premier League season would be unrealistic. Adding Ueda would give Daniel Farke genuine competition for places while allowing him to rotate his forwards depending on the opposition.
His arrival would also ease the pressure on players like Nmecha and Piroe, who struggled to provide enough goals last season. Instead of relying on one established goalscorer, Leeds would finally have multiple attacking options capable of making a difference.
The £35 million asking price may appear expensive, particularly for a player who has never played in England. Yet quality strikers remain among the most valuable assets in football, and Leeds know that investing in proven attacking talent could ultimately prove cheaper than the financial cost of relegation.
If the Whites are serious about establishing themselves as a stable Premier League club, improving their goalscoring options is essential. Ayase Ueda may not arrive with guarantees, but his experience, international pedigree, technical qualities and consistent goalscoring record suggest he could be exactly the type of calculated gamble Leeds need to take this summer.
