Tomiyasu completes Crystal Palace move after successful trial

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu following a successful trial, the club announced on 7 August 2026. The 27-year-old, who was a free agent after spending the second half of last season with Ajax, was part of Japan's World Cup squad this summer.

Tomiyasu has 46 caps for Japan and can operate at full-back or centre-back. He made 84 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal between 2021 and 2025 and previously played for Bologna and Sint-Truiden.

The move makes Tomiyasu the second signing for new Palace manager Pierre Sage after Oscar Mingueza. Palace have not disclosed the length of Tomiyasu's contract, and the club moved to bolster defensive options after first-choice centre-back Maxence Lacroix joined Chelsea.

Chairman Steve Parish commented on the signing, saying: "Takehiro has experience at the highest level of European and international football." Tomiyasu added: "This club is in a good moment, winning three titles in two seasons," and: "Here is where I wanted to be." French coach Sage has succeeded Olivier Glasner, who led the Eagles to the FA Cup, the Conference League and the Community Shield over the past two seasons.

Palace face financial constraints tied to their European campaign and must comply with Uefa's squad cost ratio (SCR) when registering players this window. The SCR caps spending on wages, transfers and agent fees at 70% of club revenue, compared with an 85% limit for Premier League clubs not competing in Europe, and the club has noted the challenge this poses for teams stepping up to European competition.

The Eagles have not paid a transfer fee this window but are moving towards a deal for 19-year-old Real Salt Lake winger Zavier Gozo. Palace signed Tomiyasu on a free transfer and Mingueza after his contract at Celta Vigo expired; there is also interest in a possible loan for Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, reported interest in Brest centre-back Raphael le Guen, and potential sales, including reported interest in Brennan Johnson, who joined the club in January, to generate funds.

Crystal Palace are in the Europa League this season following their Conference League win last season, making this a pivotal summer for the club with a new manager and the departure of Lacroix.