Could Ayase Ueda Move To Serie A? Italian Sides Take Notice As Japanese International On Track To Outscore Kylian Mbappe

Ayase Ueda is on track to score more league goals than Kylian Mbappe this season and the Feyenoord star has caught the attention of multiple Serie A teams.

Who Is Ayase Ueda?

When soccer fans think about the best goal-scorers in Europe many look to the likes of Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe, however, Ayse Ueda is battling it out with the best this season.

So far during the 2024/25 campaign, Ueda has scored 11 goals in nine league appearances for Feyenoord – being on the score sheet in seven of these matches.

The Japanese international kicked off the season by scoring in three consecutive league matches and after a small dip of one goal in three, Ueda is back on form after scoring in his last three league appearances.

Not only has the 27-year-old found the back of the net in three straight Eredivisie matches, the Japanese star has increased his tally each time – scoring one on MD7, two on MD8 and most recently, a hat-trick on MD9.

Ueda’s form carried into the most recent international break, as the striker score in Japan’s two international friendlies – including a late winner in a 3-2 victory over Brazil on October 14th.

So far, Ueda is averaging 1.22 goals per game which is the sixth-highest in Europe and superior to Real Madrid star, Kylian Mbappe, who sits on 1.11 goals per 90.

The Frenchman is top of the goal-scoring charts in La Liga with 10 goals in nine league appearances and is four ahead of Atletico Madrid star, Julian Alvarez who has been linked with a move to Serie A.

Mbappe has been far superior than Ueda in European competition this season, with the Madrid star scoring five goals in two appearances and the Japanese striker yet to find the back of the net in the Europa League.

However, Ueda’s league performances so far have not gone unnoticed and if the former Club Brugge striker can carry his performances then a huge summer move could be on the cards – making Serie A a real possibility.

Which Serie A Teams Should Sign Ayase Ueda?

Roma

The Giallorossi suffered only their second defeat of the season on October 18th, losing 1-0 to Inter Milan at Stadio Olimpico, despite dominating possession and having more shots on target.

This result highlighted Roma’s primary issue this season – no killer instincts. Gian Piero Gasperini has seen his side score just seven goals in Serie A this season which is the 11th lowest tally in the league.

Evan Ferguson has struggled during his opening few months in the Italian capital, while Artem Dovbyk has also failed to build a consistent run of form.

Matias Soule, who recently pledged his allegiance to Argentina, is currently the Giallorossi’s leading scorer in Serie A and the youngster has only scored three goals.

Defensively Roma are the strongest team in Serie A, conceding just three-goals in seven league matches, but it’s the attacking areas that are letting them down.

Bringing in Ueda could be a game-change for the Rome-based side, as his talents in front of goal could push the Giallorossi back into the Champions League.

Atalanta

Losing Mateo Retegui during the summer transfer window was a huge blow to Atalanta, as the Italian was the highest scorer in Serie A last season with 26 goals.

La Dea managed to bring in a replacement during the summer window, signing Nikola Krstovic from Lecce for €25 million and the 25-year-old has struggled to adapt so far.

The Montenegrin striker has scored just two league goals in seven appearances this season, while Ademola Lookman continues to repair the relationship that was tarnished during the summer.

Gianluca Scamacca has returned to the matchday squad in Atalanta’s latest league clash, as the Italian nears a full recovery from injury – which could be a huge boost for Ivan Juric.

Signing Ueda is not a must for La Dea as they already possess multiple strikers, but Scamacca’s injury history and Krstovic’s early struggles could force Juric into a January move.

Fiorentina

Fiorentina boasted the second-highest scorer in Serie A last season, as Moise Kean scored 19 league goals and established himself as an elite European striker.

However, the Italian international has struggled to replicate this form in the 2025/26 campaign, sitting on just one league goal in seven appearances.

This drop in form is symbolic of La Viola’s performances so far, as Stefano Pioli’s side are winless from their opening seven league matches so far.

After scoring five goals in Serie A so far, Fiorentina sit 18th in the league and are surprise contenders in the relegation battle, pushing the Florence-based side into some January additions.

Most recently, La Viola were beaten 2-1 by AC Milan in Stefano Pioli’s 500th game as a Serie A manager and concerns have started to grow around Florence.

Moise Kean’s drop in form could make Ueda a strong addition in the January transfer window, but the Japanese striker may be looking for European action.

How Much Is Ayase Ueda Worth?

The 27-year-old joined Feyenoord in August 2023 for around €8 million, going on to win the the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruyff Shield in 2024.

Ueda currently has three-years remaining on his current deal in the Netherlands, meaning Feyenoord will be able to set a considerable asking price in the future.

Reports suggest that Japanese international could be available for around €25m in the January window, but this could drop down €20m next summer.