Crystal Palace have moved quickly and smartly to add depth to their backline, completing the free-transfer signing of Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu following a successful pre-season trial. The 27-year-old versatile defender becomes the second addition under new manager Pierre Sage, who took over from Olivier Glasner after guiding the club to FA Cup, Conference League and Community Shield glory over the past two seasons.
Tomiyasu was a free agent coming into this window after spending the second half of last season on loan at Ajax. He previously spent four years at Arsenal between 2021 and 2025, making 84 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners before his time there came to an end. His ability to operate at right-back, left-back or centre-back makes him an extremely useful option to have in a squad, and Palace get him without paying a penny in transfer fees.
The timing makes sense for the club. First-choice centre-back Maxence Lacroix departed for Chelsea this summer, creating a gap in Palace's defensive options that needed addressing. With European football on the schedule this season — the Eagles are in the Europa League following their Conference League win — squad depth is not an optional extra. Bringing in Tomiyasu on a free provides exactly the cover Sage needs without straining the club's finances.
Tomiyasu was also part of Japan's World Cup squad this summer, continuing to demonstrate his relevance at international level despite a challenging club period. He now has 46 caps for the Samurai Blue, and arriving at a stable, ambitious club like Palace could reinvigorate his form heading into his peak years.
Palace chairman Steve Parish expressed his delight at the signing. “Takehiro has experience at the highest level of European and international football,” he said. Tomiyasu himself appeared equally keen: “This club is in a good moment, winning three titles in two seasons. Here is where I wanted to be.” No contract length has been announced.
Transfer snapshot: Fee: Free transfer (after Ajax loan) | Age: 27 | Japan caps: 46 | Arsenal appearances: 84 | Position: Defender (RB/LB/CB) | New manager: Pierre Sage
0 Comments