Feyenoord admits Fenerbahçe's 25 million euro offer for Ueda was turned down

A revealing admission from Feyenoord has emerged regarding Japanese striker Ayase Ueda, a player Fenerbahçe were keen to sign during the summer transfer window. The club's sporting director confirmed that an official offer from the Turkish side had indeed been on the table. While reports differ slightly on the official's name, the substance of the statement remains consistent across all accounts.

According to Feyenoord's management, Fenerbahçe submitted a 25 million euro offer for Ueda early in the transfer window. The official stated that the club would have preferred to accept this offer, but ultimately the player's own wishes proved decisive. Ueda's priority, it was explained, was to move to a bigger league, ideally the Premier League.

Reports indicate that the Japanese forward also considered joining a club competing in the Champions League as an alternative option. At the time, Fenerbahçe were still in the Champions League qualifying rounds, a factor said to have influenced the player's decision. As a result, the Turkish club's offer reportedly failed to meet the player's ambitions.

Ueda eventually completed his long-anticipated move on the final day of the summer transfer window, signing with French club Lille. The transfer fee Feyenoord received was significantly lower than Fenerbahçe's original bid. The club official explained that financial necessity prevented them from adopting a tougher negotiating stance, though the proceeds from the sale allowed them to complete another signing.