Gary O’Neil wants a proven senior striker before the season kicks off, and Ipswich Town have set their sights on a Japanese international who just started every game of his country’s World Cup campaign. His Eredivisie numbers make the case for him better than any scout report could.
The Headline Move
Ipswich Town are showing concrete interest in Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda, according to TWTD — a move that would give Gary O’Neil exactly what he’s been hunting for: a senior, battle-tested frontman to lead the line in the Premier League.
Ueda isn’t a punt on potential. He’s a proven international goalscorer who’s just come off a World Cup where he started all four of Japan’s games — and he found the net doing it.
World Cup Pedigree, Eredivisie Numbers That Jump Off the Page
The stats do the talking. Since his €8 million move to Feyenoord in August 2023, Ueda has scored 37 goals in just 78 Eredivisie appearances — a return that accelerated last season into a genuinely elite 25 goals in 31 games. For a six-foot striker who leads the line as a focal point, that kind of conversion rate is the exact profile Premier League clubs fighting to stay up are desperate for.
His international record backs it up: 43 caps for Japan and 18 goals, including a brace in a 4-0 demolition of Tunisia at this summer’s World Cup — a game where he lined up just ahead of a familiar face for Ipswich fans.
The Maeda Connection
Here’s the twist that makes this transfer feel less like a reach and more like a natural fit: Ueda’s double against Tunisia came with newly-signed Ipswich winger Daizen Maeda operating right behind him. The pair already have proven on-pitch chemistry at international level — exactly the kind of understanding that can fast-track a new signing’s settling-in period at a new club.
Before Feyenoord, Ueda cut his teeth in Europe with a season at Cercle Brugge in Belgium, following his development at Kashima Antlers in Japan — giving him a well-travelled résumé that suggests he wouldn’t need long to adapt to English football either.
Why Ipswich Need Him Now
O’Neil has already added Brazilian forward Emersonn this summer, and has spoken publicly about his admiration for Chuba Akpom, whose loan from Ajax was made permanent following an obligation clause. But a genuine senior focal point — the kind of proven, physical, clinical presence Ueda represents — is still the missing piece up front.
There’s also outgoing business to track: George Hirst has been linked with a return to the Championship, with Stoke City reportedly among his suitors, while Ipswich continue talks with Strasbourg over a reunion for former loanee Julio Enciso, who is said to be keen on working under O’Neil again after their spell together in Ligue 1.
What Happens Next?
Ueda still has two years left on his Feyenoord contract, and with a month still to run in the transfer window, nothing is imminent yet. But between his World Cup form, his Eredivisie goal return, and an existing on-pitch link with Maeda, the pieces are lining up for Ipswich to make this one of the more exciting stories of their summer rebuild.
Story developing — check back for updates on this transfer.
