One of the Premier League’s most versatile defenders is back — Takehiro Tomiyasu has officially signed for Crystal Palace as a free agent, returning to English football after his departure from Ajax this summer.
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The Transfer: Everything Confirmed
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Crystal Palace agreed to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu as a free agent, with the player already having passed his medical in London. BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel also confirmed Palace are going ahead with the Tomiyasu signing, with his trial spell at the club considered a success.
Crystal Palace have added Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu to their roster on a free transfer after the 27-year-old parted ways with Ajax at the end of his short-term contract. The Premier League club and Tomiyasu reportedly reached an agreement in principle for a permanent deal, beating out interest from several Serie A clubs in the process.
| Transfer Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Takehiro Tomiyasu |
| From | Ajax (Free Agent) |
| To | Crystal Palace |
| Transfer Fee | Free Transfer |
| Previous Club Before Ajax | Arsenal |
| Manager | Pierre Sage |
| Age | 27 |
| Status | Officially Confirmed |
How the Deal Came Together
Crystal Palace moved quickly, inviting the defender to train with the squad during their late July 2026 pre-season. Palace had already put in place a broad agreement on personal terms prior to the trial, and they left it up to head coach Pierre Sage whether to proceed with making the move official.
Tomiyasu has been training with Palace recently, and he first made their matchday squad for a pre-season game against Lens. Though the 27-year-old was an unused substitute on that occasion, he did then make a 30-minute debut as a substitute in Palace’s subsequent friendly against Al-Ula.
Tomiyasu joined Palace during their pre-season camp in Como and featured in the 3-1 friendly victory over Al-Ula. His fitness was an important part of the assessment after several injury-hit seasons.
Why Crystal Palace Signed Tomiyasu
Sources confirmed that the 26-year-old has impressed Sage and his coaching staff throughout his time at the club, convincing Crystal Palace to press ahead with an agreement.
Sage is set to play with three central defenders next season and it is understood Tomiyasu is viewed as a potential option to play on the left side of the trio.
Tomiyasu made 84 appearances for Arsenal and is capable of playing centrally or at full-back, giving Sage valuable defensive flexibility.
He was previously described as the best right-back he had played with by then-teammate Ben White.
The arrival of Tomiyasu follows the recent signing of fellow free agent Oscar Mingueza, underlining Palace’s determination to strengthen at the back with a blend of proven international experience and emerging talent.
Why Palace Needed Defensive Reinforcement
Palace were looking to strengthen their defensive options this summer with first-choice central defender Maxence Lacroix having joined Chelsea.
Crystal Palace are counting on Tomiyasu’s experience and versatility, with the defender capable of operating in multiple positions across the back line. His arrival forms part of the club’s strategy to strengthen its defense ahead of the new season.
Tomiyasu’s Career Journey: From Arsenal to Crystal Palace
Tomiyasu’s path to Selhurst Park has been defined by resilience and recovery. Tomiyasu managed just six minutes of action in his final Arsenal season and underwent surgery on a knee injury in February, having missed the start of the 2024–25 campaign with another knee issue.
Arsenal confirmed: “We have reached a mutual agreement with Takehiro Tomiyasu to end his contract with immediate effect. The 26-year-old defender, who joined us from Bologna in August 2021, made 84 appearances in all competitions during his time with the club.“
He then signed with Ajax on December 16, 2025, on a deal running only until June 30, 2026. During that brief window in Amsterdam, he managed nine appearances, seven of which came in the Eredivisie.
He also returned to international football with Japan and featured three times during their run to the last 16 of the World Cup.
Career Timeline
| Club | Period | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bologna | 2019–2021 | €7M (to Arsenal) | Serie A |
| Arsenal | 2021–2025 | €18.6M | 84 Appearances |
| Ajax | Dec 2025–Jun 2026 | Free | Short-term contract, 9 apps |
| Crystal Palace | 2026–Present | Free | Now Official |
Tomiyasu’s Arsenal Record at a Glance
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 21 | 0 | 1 |
| 2022/23 | 21 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023/24 | 22 | 2 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 84 | 2+ | 3+ |
Player Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Takehiro Tomiyasu |
| Date of Birth | November 5, 1998 |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Position | Defender (RB / CB / LB) |
| Preferred Foot | Both |
| International Caps | 46 (Japan) |
| New Club | Crystal Palace |
| Transfer Fee | Free Agent |
What to Expect From Tomiyasu at Crystal Palace
The Japanese international is comfortable playing as both a centre-back and a wing-back in Palace’s system, making him a valuable option for the Eagles.
The 27-year-old is tipped as a candidate to feature on the left side of a three-man backline, which Sage is believed to be planning for the upcoming campaign.
Palace can now add considerable Premier League experience without paying a transfer fee. At 27 years old and with his fitness now restored following his World Cup appearances with Japan, this signing represents genuine value for the Eagles heading into the 2026/27 Premier League season.
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FAQs
Is Takehiro Tomiyasu’s signing for Crystal Palace official?
Yes. Fabrizio Romano confirmed: “Takehiro Tomiyasu to Crystal Palace, here we go! Medical passed in London and contract to be signed in next 48h.” The deal is now fully confirmed.
How much did Crystal Palace pay for Tomiyasu?
The Japanese international joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer following the end of his spell with Ajax during the summer transfer window.
Why did Tomiyasu leave Arsenal?
Injuries limited Tomiyasu’s time on the pitch in the past two seasons, with the defender making just one substitute appearance in his final season. It was therefore mutually agreed to end his contract in order for him to start a new chapter in his career.
What position will Tomiyasu play at Crystal Palace?
Sage is set to play with three central defenders next season and it is understood Tomiyasu is viewed as a potential option to play on the left side of the trio. He is also capable of operating as a right-back and wing-back.
How did Tomiyasu impress Crystal Palace before signing?
Sources confirmed that Tomiyasu impressed Sage and his coaching staff throughout his time at the club, convincing Crystal Palace to press ahead with an agreement. He made a 30-minute debut as a substitute in Palace’s friendly against Al-Ula on the Friday.
