Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has completed his return to the Premier League after signing for Crystal Palace following a successful trial period with the south London club.
The Japan international joins Palace as a free agent after impressing during pre-season training under new head coach Pierre Sage.
Tomiyasu had been without a club after leaving Ajax at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, having initially joined the Dutch side on a short-term deal following his departure from Arsenal.
Palace have not disclosed the length of the 27-year-old’s contract, but the versatile defender becomes the club’s second signing of the summer after the arrival of Oscar Mingueza.
The Eagles moved for defensive reinforcements following Maxence Lacroix’s transfer to Chelsea, with Tomiyasu’s ability to play at both centre-back and full-back making him an attractive option.
The former Gunner had been training with Palace in recent weeks to build his fitness, and reports suggested he had done enough to convince the club to offer him a permanent deal.
Tomiyasu’s move marks the latest chapter in a career that has taken him from Japan to Belgium, Italy, England and the Netherlands.
He joined Arsenal from Bologna in the summer of 2021 and quickly established himself as a favourite among supporters thanks to his consistency, versatility and defensive intelligence.
Injury problems, however, ultimately limited his impact in north London.
Tomiyasu made 84 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal before leaving by mutual consent in 2025 after struggling to regain full fitness following a series of setbacks, including knee surgery.
He later rebuilt his match sharpness at Ajax, earning a recall to Japan’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Palace chairman Steve Parish believes the defender’s experience will strengthen Pierre Sage’s squad ahead of another demanding campaign.
“Takehiro has experience at the highest level of European and international football,” Parish said following the announcement.
Tomiyasu also expressed his excitement at joining the FA Cup and UEFA Conference League winners.
“This club is in a good moment, winning three titles in two seasons,” he said. “Here is where I wanted to be.”
While Arsenal supporters will undoubtedly remember Tomiyasu’s commitment whenever he pulled on the red and white shirt, his next challenge now begins at Selhurst Park as he looks to re-establish himself as one of the Premier League’s most dependable defenders.
