Tomiyasu joins Palace
Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu following a successful trial. The 27-year-old, who was a free agent after spending the second half of last season with Ajax, was part of Japan's World Cup squad this summer. The former Arsenal defender, who can play at full-back or centre-back, becomes the second signing for new Palace manager Pierre Sage after Oscar Mingueza. The Eagles have not announced the length of Tomiyasu's contract.[S1]
Tomiyasu made 84 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal between 2021 and 2025, having previously played for Bologna and Sint-Truiden. He spent the second half of the 2025-26 season with Ajax as he recovered from injury problems. During his first three campaigns with the Gunners, he recorded the third-most interceptions (56) among Arsenal defenders in the Premier League and won the fourth-most duels (211). Overall, he scored two goals and provided six assists for Mikel Arteta's side.[S1][S2]
Reaction and context
"Takehiro has experience at the highest level of European and international football," said Palace chairman Steve Parish. "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." Tomiyasu added: "This club is in a good moment, winning three titles in two seasons. Here is where I wanted to be."[S1][S3][S4]
Palace wanted to strengthen their defensive options with first-choice centre-back Maxence Lacroix having joined Chelsea. The Eagles are in the Europa League this season following their Conference League win last season. Palace have to comply with Uefa's squad cost ratio (SCR), which caps spending on wages, transfers and agent fees at 70% of club revenue. The Eagles have not yet paid a fee for a player this window but are moving towards a deal for 19-year-old Real Salt Lake winger Zavier Gozo.[S1]
