Takehiro Tomiyasu joins Crystal Palace on free transfer

Crystal Palace has officially signed Japanese international defender Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer. The 27-year-old returns to the Premier League following a spell with Ajax and a previous tenure at Arsenal.

Tomiyasu, who has earned 46 senior caps for Japan, will wear the number 17 shirt. Manager Pierre Sage intends to utilize him primarily as a center-back rather than his previous roles as a full-back. The move reunites Tomiyasu with fellow Japanese international Daichi Kamata, who is already at the club.

Tomiyasu made his debut for Palace on the same day his signing was announced, playing 45 minutes in a pre-season friendly against Fulham. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish noted the high caliber of the player, highlighting his extensive top-level European and international experience.