Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Tue 12 May 2026 7:10, UK

Ayase Ueda has been linked with a transfer to Everton ahead of the summer window.

The Blues should be heavy in the summer market for next season, with European football potentially requiring David Moyes to build a bigger squad.

Otherwise, if that goal is not achieved, the Toffees will need to improve their options to push again for the following campaign.

Centre-forward has long been an issue at Everton, and while Beto and Thierno Barry have shown glimpses, it is far from the consistency that manager Moyes would want.

Now, ahead of Everton’s summer window, the Toffees have been mentioned as a potential destination for Ueda.

What has been said about Everton’s interest in Ayase Ueda?

Ueda is enjoying a stellar individual campaign in the Netherlands, scoring 25 goals in the Eredivisie this season.

With one game left, the Japanese international has an eight-goal cushion in the golden boot race in the Dutch league.

The 27-year-old’s exploits have seemingly caught the attention of those in the Premier League, with the forward surely to be subject to a transfer approach this summer.

According to Voetbal Primeur: “English Premier League clubs Everton and Brighton have previously been mentioned in connection with the Japanese player.”

Additionally, the report states he could be available for close to £13million, with his price expected to be half of £26m fee that defender Givairo Read could command.

The Blues are likely to be in the market for a centre-forward, despite promising signs from Barry and Beto showcasing flashes of quality.

Ueda has proven himself to be a clinical goal scorer throughout this season. The Feyenoord striker has netted 25 goals from just 18.93 xG while having a conversion rate of 25 per cent, as per Sofascore.

It is a substantial overperformance on his xG, highlighting a player who is brimming with confidence when it comes to his finishing.

Why Ayase Ueda could be a risk for Everton

If Ueda does make his way to Hill Dickinson Stadium, Moyes may have to change his approach to get the best out of the 27-year-old.

In the Eredivisie, the Asian striker has 3.3 shots per game. However, Everton’s strikers tend to get much fewer opportunities.

Barry takes just one shot per match, with Beto averaging 1.2. So, while Ueda has been impressive in the Dutch league, he will get three times fewer chances based on this.

It is certainly an issue, but if Moyes is looking to be more front-footed next season and get his forward players more chances per game, then signing Ueda would be a shrewd transfer.

Otherwise, even with a fee of just £15m, it would be a risk to sign a forward who thrives on quantity of chances. Moyes must understand this crucial flaw.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.