Ajax are on the verge of securing the signature of former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer, with the Japanese international set to sign a short-term contract running until June 2026. The 27-year-old versatile defender, who has been without a club since his contract with Arsenal was terminated by mutual consent in July 2025, is poised to join the Dutch giants in what represents a crucial opportunity to resurrect his career after a nightmare period with injuries.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Tomiyasu is nearing an agreement with Ajax on a deal that will run until the end of the 2025-26 season. The Amsterdam club will carefully assess his fitness levels and performances during this initial period before deciding whether to offer the Japanese international an extended contract in summer 2026. This arrangement provides both parties with flexibility—Ajax can evaluate Tomiyasu’s physical condition after his lengthy injury layoff, while the defender gets a platform to prove his fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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A Fresh Start After Arsenal Departure
Takehiro Tomiyasu departed Arsenal in circumstances far removed from the promise he showed when arriving from Bologna for just under €20 million in 2021. The Japanese defender made 84 appearances across all competitions during his four-year tenure at the Emirates Stadium, featuring in all four defensive positions under manager Mikel Arteta. However, his time in North London was repeatedly disrupted by a wretched run of knee and muscular injuries that ultimately led to the premature termination of his contract.
The final season proved particularly devastating for Tomiyasu, who was restricted to just six minutes of football in the 2024-25 campaign. His last appearance came as a late substitute against Southampton on October 6, 2024, before a knee injury sustained during Arsenal’s pre-season tour required surgery in February 2025. The defender spent virtually the entire year in rehabilitation, prompting both club and player to reach a mutual decision to part ways.
Reflecting on his departure, Tomiyasu described it as a “peaceful closure” that benefited all parties involved. “We concluded that, ‘this is the best outcome for me, the club, and everyone involved.’ That’s why I left early—it was a peaceful departure, a mutual closure,” he explained. “I was at Arsenal for four years, but in the 2024-25 season, I only played five minutes. I spent the entire year in rehabilitation.”
Arsenal’s official statement at the time acknowledged the injury struggles that defined Tomiyasu’s final years at the club: “Unfortunately, injuries have limited Tomi’s time on the pitch in the past two seasons, with the defender making just one substitute appearance last season. It was therefore mutually agreed to end Tomi’s contract in order for him to start a new chapter in his career.”
Ajax’s Defensive Crisis Creates Opportunity
Ajax’s interest in Takehiro Tomiyasu stems from their urgent need to address significant defensive frailties during a disappointing 2025-26 campaign. The Amsterdam giants currently sit in a disappointing fourth place in the Eredivisie, while their Champions League campaign has been nothing short of disastrous—losing five from five matches and conceding 16 goals in the process.
The defensive statistics paint a concerning picture for Ajax. The club has already conceded 36 goals in just 20 matches across all competitions this season, a mark they didn’t reach until March during the previous campaign. This leaky defense has left manager Francesco Farioli desperately seeking reinforcements, making Tomiyasu’s availability as a free agent an opportunity too attractive to ignore.
Dutch outlet Voetbal International reports that Ajax have been monitoring Tomiyasu for some time and view his signing as a rare opportunity to secure a proven international defender without a transfer fee. Despite the obvious concerns surrounding his injury history, Ajax are prepared to accept the medical uncertainty if Tomiyasu can demonstrate his fitness during the short-term contract period.
The financial structure of the deal reportedly involves relatively low wages, providing Ajax with minimal risk while giving the Japanese defender a chance to prove he can maintain fitness over an extended period. For Ajax, the calculation is straightforward—if Tomiyasu can return to anything close to full fitness, they will have secured a versatile, experienced international defender at a critical point in the season without any transfer expenditure.
World Cup Ambitions Drive Tomiyasu
For Takehiro Tomiyasu, the move to Ajax represents far more than simply returning to competitive football. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled for North America next summer, the defender faces a race against time to prove his fitness and force his way back into Japan’s national team plans.
Tomiyasu has earned 42 caps for The Samurai Blue and remains a key figure in manager Hajime Moriyasu’s thinking, despite his prolonged absence from competitive action. Japan secured their World Cup qualification in March 2025, but Moriyasu has made it clear that Tomiyasu must prove his physical condition to earn selection for the tournament.
“To answer simply, I think he can make it,” Moriyasu recently stated when asked about Tomiyasu’s World Cup prospects. “If he is in good shape, he will be a candidate to help Japan challenge to win the World Cup in North America.”
Tomiyasu last represented Japan in June 2024, and his absence since has left his international future increasingly uncertain. The short-term deal with Ajax provides him with approximately six months to demonstrate match fitness and form before Japan’s final World Cup preparations intensify. Successfully navigating this period could prove decisive in determining whether he features in what would be his second World Cup tournament.
Versatility and Experience
When fit, Takehiro Tomiyasu brings considerable versatility and top-level experience to Ajax’s squad. Naturally a right-back, the Japanese international is equally comfortable operating as a center-back or on the left side of defense. This positional flexibility made him a valuable asset during his time at Arsenal, where Mikel Arteta utilized him across the entire defensive line depending on tactical requirements and squad availability.
According to Transfermarkt, Tomiyasu currently holds a market value of €18 million (£15.6 million), making him significantly more valuable than any current Ajax player—a reflection of his pedigree despite recent injury troubles. His experience includes successful spells at Bologna, where he established himself as one of Serie A’s most promising young defenders, and competing at the highest levels with Arsenal in the Premier League and Champions League.
Historic Significance for Ajax
Should the move be completed as expected, Takehiro Tomiyasu will become only the second Japanese player in Ajax’s illustrious history. The club previously signed Ko Itakura from Borussia Mönchengladbach last summer, establishing a small but growing Japanese presence in Amsterdam. This connection could help Tomiyasu settle quickly into his new surroundings as he works to regain full match sharpness.
The Prove-It Deal
Multiple reports from both Dutch and British media describe Ajax as “really keen” on securing Tomiyasu’s signature, viewing the short-term “prove-it” contract as an ideal arrangement for all parties. Football insider HandofArsenal confirmed that Tomiyasu has reached a short-term agreement subject to completing medical examinations. Journalist Ben Jacobs also verified that a deal is in place, pending final formalities and medical clearance.
The six-month contract represents a low-risk opportunity for Ajax to assess whether Tomiyasu can overcome his injury concerns and contribute at Eredivisie and European level. For the defender, it provides a platform to rebuild his career at a club with European pedigree and a tradition of developing and showcasing talent on the continental stage.
If Tomiyasu can successfully navigate the remainder of the season without significant injury setbacks and deliver consistent performances, Ajax are expected to offer him a longer-term contract in summer 2026. However, the immediate priority for both club and player is simply getting the Japanese international back on the pitch and demonstrating he can stay there.
As Ajax look to salvage their season and Takehiro Tomiyasu aims to resurrect his career while keeping World Cup dreams alive, this marriage of convenience could prove mutually beneficial—assuming his body finally allows him the sustained run of fitness that has proven so elusive in recent years.
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FAQs
When will Takehiro Tomiyasu join Ajax?
Takehiro Tomiyasu is set to join Ajax imminently as a free agent, with the deal subject to completing medical examinations and final formalities. As a free agent, the transfer can be completed outside the January transfer window.
How long is Takehiro Tomiyasu’s contract with Ajax?
Tomiyasu will sign a short-term contract running until June 2026. Ajax will assess his fitness and performances before potentially offering an extended deal in summer 2026 based on how the season progresses.
Why did Takehiro Tomiyasu leave Arsenal?
Tomiyasu’s Arsenal contract was terminated by mutual consent in July 2025 after a severe injury crisis. He played just six minutes during the 2024-25 season and spent virtually the entire year in rehabilitation following knee surgery.
Can Takehiro Tomiyasu still make Japan’s 2026 World Cup squad?
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu believes Tomiyasu can make the World Cup squad if he proves his fitness. The defender has 42 caps for Japan but last played for the national team in June 2024.
What positions can Takehiro Tomiyasu play?
Tomiyasu is naturally a right-back but can operate as a center-back or left-back. This versatility saw him feature across all four defensive positions during his time at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.
