Crystal Palace have completed the signing of ex-Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer, talkSPORT understands.
The Japan international joins the Eagles after a successful trial, having been without a club since his departure from Ajax at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
An Eagle has landed
After training with Palace in recent weeks, Tomiyasu has now been officially confirmed as the club’s second summer signing.
His arrival follows Spanish defender Oscar Mingueza, who also moved to Selhurst Park on a free transfer following his exit from LaLiga outfit Celta Vigo.
Tomiyasu joined up with with Palace last week for their pre-season training in Como, Italy.
He later featured in their friendly win over Al Ula on Friday, with his performance paving a way for a return to the Premier League.
Reacting to his move back to English football, Tomiyasu told Palace: “I’m excited to get started.
“This club is in a good moment, winning three titles in two seasons. Here is where I wanted to be.”
Comeback trail
Tomiyasu’s arrival in south London brings an end to his period as a free agent after leaving Ajax at the end of last season.
He joined the Dutch giants in December after mutually agreeing to end his contract with Arsenal last summer.
The Japan star signed for the club whilst still recovering from a long-term knee injury that had kept him out of action for almost a year prior.
But having only penned a six-month deal until the end of the season, Tomiyasu ultimately departed having made just nine appearances.
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He went on to feature three times for Japan in their run to the last-32 of the 2026 World Cup.
With a number of Palace’s first-team stars yet to report back for training after the World Cup, they Tomiyasu was allowed to join the team to train and work on his fitness ahead of the new season.
And it appears he took full advantage of the opportunity, with Tomiyaus now set to bring vital Premier League experience to Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace are currently gearing up for their first season under new boss Pierre Sage, who was named as Oliver Glasner’s successor in June.
They had been in the market for a new defender as key man Maxence Lacroix leaving to join Chelsea in a deal worth £52m.
talkSPORT previously reported that Palace were considering Augsburg’s Chrislain Matsima as a potential replacement, while Tomiyasu himself is capable of playing at centre-back.
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Fresh start
Tomiyasu is looking to get his career back on track after seeing his last few seasons blighted by injury.
He departed Arsenal in July 2025 following the mutual decision to terminate his contract a year early, and had not featured for the club since the previous October.
The Japan star had missed the start of the 2024/25 season due to a previous knee injury that needed surgery in 2023.
But another knee issue saw him go under the knife again in January 2025, ultimately leading to his early departure from north London.
Tomiyasu joined Arsenal from Serie A side Bologna in a deal rising to £20million in 2021, and featured 84 times overall, scoring two goals and providing two assists.
After joining Ajax in December last year, he made his debut in January, but only eight further appearances followed.
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The ex-Premier League star ultimately played only 236 minutes of football, failing to earn a new contract as the Amsterdam outfit finished a disappointing fifth in the Eredivisie.
Following his departure, Tomiyasu penned an emotional statement, where he shared his sadness at not having played a bigger role.
He wrote on Instagram: “It was only five months but I would like to thank all who support Ajax.
“Obviously it was not the season we wanted and no one is satisfied with how it ended.
“Personally, I joined this club in January after such a long rehab, I wanted to give much more, I should have done much more for this club but it didn’t work out well.”
