Feyenoord's €9m gamble on Ferri aims to fill Ueda void

Feyenoord have reached an agreement with KVC Westerlo for Spanish striker Nacho Ferri, with the Rotterdam club prepared to pay roughly nine million euros for the 21‑year‑old forward. The deal positions Ferri as the likely successor to Japanese striker Ayase Ueda in De Kuip.

Feyenoord anticipate that Ayase Ueda may depart after the World Cup, leaving a vacancy in the attack. Ferri’s 1.92‑metre height and physical presence offered a contrasting profile that appealed to the technical staff.

In his first full season with the Kemphanen, Ferri netted eleven goals in the Jupiler Pro League, ranking among the most dangerous strikers in the Belgian competition. His goal tally attracted attention from several foreign clubs.

Ferri began his career in Spain with Ontinyent and UD Alzira before joining the youth academy of Eintracht Frankfurt. After failing to break through in the Bundesliga, he was loaned to KV Kortrijk and later signed permanently by Westerlo.

Feyenoord have monitored Ferri for an extended period and accelerated negotiations in recent weeks to secure the transfer. Both clubs ultimately reached an agreement, paving the way for the Spanish striker to move to the Eredivisie.

Rotterdam hope Ferri can continue his scoring form in the Eredivisie and provide a reliable alternative to Ueda. The club views his physical attributes as a complement to their attacking options.

For KVC Westerlo, the sale confirms the effectiveness of their transfer strategy, turning a player acquired from Eintracht Frankfurt into a lucrative outgoing deal. The club faces the challenge of replacing Ferri as they risk losing several key holders this summer.