Brighton Eye Feyenoord Star Ayase Ueda as Danny Welbeck Successor

Brighton are eyeing Japan international Ayase Ueda as the long-term successor to veteran striker Danny Welbeck, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Seagulls have been keeping close tabs on the prolific 27-year-old Feyenoord frontman as they map out the future of their attack. 

With 35-year-old Welbeck now in the twilight of his career respectively, Brighton’s recruitment team are already weighing up options who could eventually inherit the goalscoring mantle.

Welbeck has recently triggered a 12-month option in his contract to extend his deal to the end of next season, ensuring the experienced forward will remain a key figure at the Amex.

And the veteran striker has proved he still has plenty left in the tank. 

The former England international is currently Brighton’s top scorer with 11 goals in 30 appearances, the latest coming in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.

His impressive form has even pushed him back into the England conversation ahead of this summer’s World Cup. 

Brighton had previously monitored Torino striker Che Adams, but their attention has now firmly shifted to Feyenoord’s red-hot Ueda.

EXPECTED

England boss Thomas Tuchel admitted before the November qualifiers that he had given serious thought to including Welbeck in his squad, one which he is expected to name before the end of this month.

But while former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Welbeck continues to deliver in the short term, Brighton are determined to stay ahead of the curve in the transfer market, and Ueda has emerged as a prime target.

The Japanese striker has been in red-hot form in the Eredivisie, rattling in 18 goals in 22 league appearances for Feyenoord this season. His sharp movement and ruthless finishing have made him one of the most feared forwards in Holland.

Brighton scouts have tracked the striker extensively and his superb scoring run has only heightened their interest.

Ueda joined Feyenoord in the summer of 2023 from Cercle Brugge in a deal worth around €9million (£7.5m). He signed a long-term contract running until June 30, 2028, leaving the Dutch giants in a strong position should clubs come calling.

Any deal would likely take a fee in the region of £25–30million to tempt Feyenoord into selling their in-form frontman.

APPEAL

But the lure of the Premier League could prove difficult to resist after his stunning season in the Netherlands. 

Brighton believe the chance to test himself in England could appeal if their interest turns into a firm summer bid.

Ueda first made his name in Belgium with Brugge, where he bagged 20 goals in a single campaign to establish himself as one of Europe’s rising striking talents. 

Before heading to Europe he starred in Japan with Kashima Antlers, quickly building a reputation as a deadly penalty-box finisher.

He has also become a regular member of the Japan team and previously represented his country at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Welbeck’s experience remains invaluable for Brighton in the short term, but the club believe Ueda could be the man to lead their line for years to come.