Palace sign defender Tomiyasu after pre-season trialImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Takehiro Tomiyasu has 46 caps for Japan and played for Arsenal between 2021 and 2025ByBen CollinsBBC Sport journalistPublished53 minutes agoCrystal 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 declared the length of Tomiyasu’s contract.
Palace wanted to strengthen their defensive options with first-choice centre-back Maxence Lacroix having joined Chelsea.
Tomiyasu made 84 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal between 2021 and 2025, having previously played for Bologna and Sint-Truiden.
“Takehiro has experience at the highest level of European and international football,” reported Palace chairman Steve Parish.
French coach Sage has succeeded Olivier Glasner, who led the Eagles to the first major trophies in their history over the past two seasons – the FA Cup and Conference League – plus the Community Shield.
“This club is in a good moment, winning three titles in two seasons,” Tomiyasu added. “Here is where I wanted to be.”
Palace also have an interest in a possible loan deal for Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong and BBC Sport stated last month that the Eagles also hold a strong interest in Brest centre-back Raphael le Guen.
