Crystal Palace has officially signed Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu after an impressive trial period with the Premier League club. The 27-year-old defender returns to English football after spending the latter half of last season with Ajax Amsterdam, following his departure from Arsenal by mutual consent in July 2023.
Tomiyasu initially joined Arsenal in 2021 from Bologna and spent four seasons with the Gunners. However, his tenure in north London was hampered by recurring knee and calf injuries, which limited his impact on the team. Despite these setbacks, he remained a respected figure due to his versatility and defensive capabilities.
Notably, Tomiyasu was part of Japan’s national squad at the recent FIFA World Cup, where the team reached the round of 32 before being eliminated by Brazil. His international experience adds significant value to Crystal Palace’s defensive line as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Palace chairman Steve Parish expressed enthusiasm about the signing, highlighting Tomiyasu’s extensive experience at the highest levels of European and international football. He emphasized the club’s confidence that Tomiyasu will be a valuable asset to the squad. While the club has not revealed the duration of his contract, this acquisition marks the second signing under new manager Pierre Sage, following the earlier addition of Spanish defender Oscar Mingueza during the close season.
