Japanese forward Ayase Ueda has left Feyenoord to join French club Lille on a contract running until 2030, with the transfer reported to be worth €15m.
The 28-year-old completed the move after leaving Rotterdam following Feyenoord’s 2-2 home draw with ADO Den Haag. Lille president Olivier Letang was reportedly present at that match as the two clubs negotiated the final details of the deal.
Ueda arrives in France after finishing the 2025/26 campaign as the Eredivisie’s leading scorer. He scored 25 goals in 31 league appearances last season, establishing himself as one of the most productive strikers in Dutch football.
“I am delighted to be joining Lille, a club that is a force to be reckoned with in Ligue 1 and the Champions League. I was really impressed by the club, particularly by the style of football they play – which I really like – but also by their magnificent stadium and their supporters,” Ayase Ueda said on Lille's club website.
“My aim is to improve as much as possible and to continue to develop as a player. I want to give my all in this shirt and, through my performances, repay Lille for the faith they have placed in me.”
The Japan international has won 43 caps and scored 18 goals for his country, including two against Tunisia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Letang said Ueda would become the first Japanese player to represent Lille and praised the striker’s all-round qualities.
“We are delighted to announce the signing of Ayase, who will be the first Japanese player to wear the LOSC shirt. Making the impossible possible is part of our DNA and our culture. Above all, however, we were looking for a well-rounded striker capable of making his presence felt in the opposition’s penalty area, as well as bringing experience and qualities that complement the players already in our squad.”
Ueda joined Feyenoord from Belgian club Cercle Brugge for €9m in 2023. He initially had to wait patiently for regular opportunities but went on to score 12 goals in 47 league matches for the club.
He began the current season in strong form, scoring three goals and providing one assist in four matches as Feyenoord recorded two wins and two draws in their opening Eredivisie fixtures.
“It means a great deal to me to be leaving Feyenoord after all the wonderful moments I’ve shared here with everyone,” Ueda said on Feyenoord's club website.
“I can only express my gratitude – for the faith and trust that the supporters and the people at the club have always shown in me, and for everything I was able to achieve last season. I’m delighted that I was able to finish my time at Feyenoord as the club’s top scorer and that, last Sunday, I got to experience one last time what it’s like to score at De Kuip.”
Ueda also thanked Feyenoord’s supporters for their backing during his time at De Kuip and said he hoped to return to the stadium in the future.
“What these years at this club have given me is unforgettable. I hope we’ll meet again one day and that I’ll get to hear the song the supporters always sang for me one more time. Thank you for everything; it’s been wonderful.”
His departure leaves Feyenoord with only two senior strikers: Shaqueel van Persie and summer signing Nacho Ferri. Neither player has scored this season.
Feyenoord also lost Casper Tengstedt on Monday, with the Danish striker completing a move to Toulouse.
The Dutch club are expected to look for a new first-choice striker before the transfer window closes.