Full Breakdown
Takehiro Tomiyasu Trains with Crystal Palace as Transfer Future Looms
7/28/2026, 8:29:58 PM
Training Stint and Transfer Prospects
According to the New York Times report, 27-year-old Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu is training with Crystal Palace in Como as part of the club’s pre-season preparations. The defender, a free agent after his contract with Ajax expired at the end of the 2025-26 season, could feature in a friendly for Palace later this week while he evaluates a possible move back to the Premier League.
Recent Career Overview
Tomiyasu left Arsenal in July 2025 following a mutual termination of his contract one year early. He had not played for the Gunners since October 2024 and underwent knee surgery in February 2025. After joining Arsenal from Bologna in 2021, he made 84 appearances, scoring two goals and providing six assists, but his final seasons in north London were disrupted by injury. In December 2025 he signed a six-month deal with Ajax, where he featured nine times during the second half of the 2025-26 campaign. The defender earned a recall to the Japan squad for the 2026 World Cup and played three matches before Japan were eliminated by Brazil in the round of 32.
Palace Defensive Changes and Replacement Search
Crystal Palace are set to lose centre-back Maxence Lacroix this summer. The Athletic reported that Chelsea are in the final stages of a deal worth roughly £52 million ($69.2 million) for the French international. In response, Palace are reportedly considering Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima and Trabzonspor midfielder Chibuike Nwaiwu as potential replacements if a deal for Lacroix does not materialise.
Data & Statistics
- Arsenal appearances: 84 (2 goals, 6 assists)
- Ajax appearances (2025-26): 9
- Japan World Cup matches (2026): 3
- Age: 27
- Contract status: free agent after 2025-26 season
Official Statements & Responses
Palace officials have indicated that the club is providing a high-level training environment to help Tomiyasu maintain and improve his fitness ahead of the new season. The defender has expressed interest in returning to the Premier League, and the training stint is being used by both parties to assess a possible summer transfer.
