Crystal Palace have moved for the versatile Japan international, ending months of uncertainty over his future.
Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images
Crystal Palace have completed the signing of former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, handing the popular Japan international another opportunity in the Premier League after an injuries derailed his time in London previously.
Tomiyasu left Arsenal in July 2025 after he and the club mutually agreed to terminate his contract despite a year remaining on his deal. The decision allowed the defender to focus on his recovery and search for a new club rather than remain tied to Arsenal while unavailable through injury.
His departure brought a sad end to a four-year spell that promised so much.
Signed from Bologna in August 2021, Tomiyasu made 84 appearances in all competitions and established himself as one of Arsenal’s most dependable defenders, when fit, thanks to his ability to play at right-back, left-back and centre-back.
A move to Ajax initially appeared to offer the fresh start he needed, but injury again interrupted his progress. After starting against Feyenoord for the Dutch giants, Tomiyasu signalled to the bench in discomfort after going down and was forced off in the 73rd minute, just 192 minutes into his attempt to relaunch his career.
Photo via Ajax.nl
Following his departure from Ajax this summer, Tomiyasu looked set for a return to Italy with Venezia, but Crystal Palace have instead secured his signature after a successful trial.
Speaking after completing the move, Tomiyasu said: “I’m excited to get started. This club is in a good moment, winning three titles in two seasons. Here is where I wanted to be.”
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish added: “Takehiro has experience at the highest level of European and international football.
“We are delighted to welcome a player of his calibre to the club and believe he will prove to be a great addition to the squad.”
For Arsenal supporters, Tomiyasu’s departure always carried a sense of frustration and disappointment. His quality was never in doubt, but persistent injuries prevented him from making the sustained impact many believed he was capable of delivering.
Crystal Palace will now hope the 27-year-old can finally enjoy the run of fitness that so often eluded him during his time at the Emirates.
Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
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