Takehiro Tomiyasu joins Crystal Palace on free transfer

Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, 27, has completed a free‑transfer move to Premier League side Crystal Palace after a successful trial. The former Arsenal and Ajax player, who was part of Japan’s World Cup squad, became a free agent following a short stint at Ajax and signed a contract whose length has not been disclosed.

Palace manager Pierre Sage and chairman Steve Parish said the signing strengthens the club’s defensive options ahead of their Europa League campaign. The club also confirmed interest in other defensive targets, including Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong and Brest centre‑back Raphael le Guen, as it navigates UEFA’s squad cost‑ratio rules.