Crystal Palace are on the verge of completing the signing of former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu after the Japan international impressed during a successful trial with the club.
The 27-year-old free agent has trained with Pierre Sage’s squad during the Eagles’ pre-season preparations and is now expected to be offered a permanent contract ahead of the new Premier League campaign. A broad agreement on personal terms had already been reached before the trial, with Sage making the final decision after assessing the versatile defender’s fitness and performances.
Tomiyasu has already completed his medical and is expected to become Crystal Palace’s latest summer signing as the club looks to rebuild its defence following Maxence Lacroix’s move to Chelsea.
The former Arsenal star is capable of playing across the back line, but Palace view him primarily as an option on the left side of a back three, a system Sage intends to use this season. His versatility and Premier League experience are regarded as major assets as the Eagles prepare for domestic and European competition.
Tomiyasu’s career has been disrupted by persistent knee injuries in recent years.
After leaving Arsenal by mutual consent in 2025, he joined Ajax on a short-term deal in an effort to rebuild his fitness. Injuries limited him to nine appearances for the Dutch club, although he returned in time to feature three times for Japan at the FIFA World Cup, showing encouraging signs that he had put his injury problems behind him.
His opportunity at Crystal Palace came after he was invited to join the club’s training camp in Italy. Tomiyasu also featured in a pre-season friendly, where his display reportedly strengthened the club’s belief that he is ready to return to Premier League football.
Palace have been cautious throughout the process, with medical staff paying particular attention to the defender’s physical condition after his lengthy spell on the sidelines. Despite those concerns, the club believe the potential rewards outweigh the risks if he can remain fit.
Tomiyasu previously spent four seasons at Arsenal after joining from Bologna in 2021, making 84 appearances in all competitions before injuries curtailed his progress in north London.
His arrival is expected to strengthen Palace’s defensive options ahead of a demanding campaign, with the Eagles hoping the experienced Japan international can rediscover the form that once made him one of the Premier League’s most dependable defenders.
