Leeds United are almost certain to sign a striker in the ongoing summer transfer window to bolster their goalscoring options for the 2026/27 season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin carried much of Leeds’ attacking responsibility last season, finishing as the club’s leading scorer with 14 Premier League goals and often providing the cutting edge when it was needed most.
The problem for Leeds was the lack of support around him. Lukas Nmecha contributed six league goals from 31 appearances, but the returns elsewhere were limited. Joel Piroe, meanwhile, endured a difficult campaign, struggling for regular opportunities and ending the season without a Premier League goal to his name.
As a result, Leeds were often heavily reliant on Calvert-Lewin for goals, highlighting the need for greater depth and competition in the forward line.
And one of their striker targets just lit up the World Cup with a sensational brace in a historic win for his national team.
Ayase Ueda scored twice in Japan’s 4-0 rout of Tunisia
Leeds supporters got their first glimpse of Ao Tanaka after he started in Japan’s famous 4-0 win over Tunisia in the World Cup on Monday morning.
It was the first time Japan scored four goals in a World Cup win, and the protagonist of the performance was Leeds target Ayase Ueda.
The forward, who scored 26 goals for Feyenoord last season, has carried his form into the World Cup, scoring two brilliant goals against Tunisia.
Ueda has been heavily linked with a move away from Feyenoord, and Leeds are among the clubs that are interested in snapping up the striker.
His performance in the World Cup has further enhanced his reputation ahead of an almost certain move away from Feyenoord in the ongoing transfer window.
Everton are also interested in the striker, and the Dutch giants may demand more money following his World Cup performance.
Ueda has a price tag of £30m, but it would not be a major surprise if that figure rises by the time he returns from the World Cup later in the summer.
Less of a gamble than Lois Openda
Ayase Ueda arrives with momentum behind him, and his performances for Feyenoord have shown that he can be a reliable source of goals when playing in a side capable of creating regular chances.
At this moment, he looks like a more attractive option than Lois Openda. Not only is the Japanese forward in far better form, but Openda’s return of just two goals last season raises understandable concerns about whether he would be worth the investment.
While Juventus are reportedly prepared to let Openda leave on loan, his wage demands are likely to remain a major stumbling block for any interested club.
Ueda would still require a sizeable transfer fee, but his salary package is expected to be far more manageable and better aligned with Leeds United’s financial structure.
Given the circumstances, Ueda appears to be the safer and more sensible option. Openda may have the pedigree, but based on recent performances and the overall cost involved, he represents a much bigger risk at this stage of the transfer window.
He is highly rated and certainly the right kind of finisher we lack. He is 28 in August and should be at his peak. Tanaka will know him well and settle him in.
Assuming Leeds do enough to keep hold of Tanaka, which I hope they do. And then there is Morita…