Takehiro Tomiyasu trains with Crystal Palace as transfer looms

Japan international defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, 27, has been spotted training with Premier League club Crystal Palace during the club’s pre‑season camp in Como. The former Arsenal and Ajax player, now a free agent after his contract with Ajax ended, is taking part in the club’s pre‑season matches, including the Como Cup against RC Lens and Famalicão, giving Palace’s coaching staff a chance to assess his fitness after a series of injury setbacks.

Reports indicate that a basic agreement between Tomiyasu and Palace is close, with contract details being finalised. If signed, Tomiyasu would return to the Premier League, joining fellow Japanese international Daichi Kamada, who already plays for Palace. The move has drawn attention in Japanese and Korean media, the latter noting the potential increase of Japanese players in England while Korean representation could decline.

Crystal Palace, which finished 15th in the Premier League last season and won the UEFA Conference League, view Tomiyasu as a defensive reinforcement. The defender’s versatility, having played across the back line for Arsenal and Ajax, is seen as valuable for the club’s upcoming campaign.