Leeds United have clear edge in transfer race for 19-goal striker thanks to Ao Tanaka
The January transfer window is on the horizon, and Leeds United are expected to splash some cash in a bid for Premier League survival.
Daniel Farke is aware that multiple areas of his squad require improvement, most notably in his forward line, even if the Whites have turned a corner.
Leeds head to Brentford in the top-flight after scoring eight goals in matches against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in the form of his life, with three goals in as many games, and the Englishman could do with a new strike partner in January.
Ao Tanaka can give Leeds the edge in Ayase Ueda race
According to European football expert Andy Brassell, Leeds are a suitable destination for Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda, who is Europe’s most in-form striker.
The Japanese international has plundered an eye-watering 19 goals in 22 appearances across 2025/26, including four in one game against PEC Zwolle on December 6.
Leeds need to beef up their attacking options to rival the likes of Noah Okafor and Lukas Nmecha for a spot alongside Calvert-Lewin.
Also, with the Englishman’s well-documented injury troubles and inconsistency, there are no guarantees Calvert-Lewin will stay fit for the remainder of the campaign.
Ueda sees his contract at the Dutch side expire in June 2028 and is an option Farke should pursue in January, perhaps lending Ao Tanaka’s help.
Tanaka has played alongside Ueda for Japan, with the duo striking an excellent relationship on and off the pitch.
Leeds’ midfield machine could persuade the 27-year-old to join the West Yorkshire outfit and give them a clear edge in negotiations.
Ueda is on fire in Europe
It’s difficult for any Eredivisie forward to translate form across to the Premier League, although his finishing talents this season are undeniable.
| Player | Division | Goals |
| Ayase Ueda | Eredivisie | 18 |
| Harry Kane | Bundesliga | 17 |
| Kylian Mbappe | LaLiga | 16 |
| Erling Haaland | Premier League | 15 |
As it stands, the 36-cap Japanese international is outscoring Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane, three of the best in the business.
Ueda could, therefore, become the latest Asian to flourish in England’s top-flight, perhaps following in the footsteps of Koaru Mitoma, Heung-min Son and Ji-sung Park, to name a few.
Mitoma, who plays alongside Ueda for Japan, is certainly someone who could inspire a switch to the Premier League, and hopefully, Elland Road.
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