Crystal Palace are front‑runners to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu, with manager Pierre Sage calling the 27‑year‑old a "first‑class" defender who can plug multiple gaps in the back line. The Japanese international, who logged 84 Premier League games for Arsenal, is available on a free transfer, making him a low‑risk option for a club that finished 15th in the 2025 Premier League table with 45 points (11W‑12D‑15L) and a recent LDLDL form.
Why is Tomiyasu a priority for Palace?
Sage values Tomiyasu’s experience in England, noting his ability to play as a right‑back, left‑back, or centre‑back in a back three. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta once described him as "first‑class", and his 84 appearances for the Gunners included two goals and six assists. After moving to Ajax, Tomiyasu saw limited action – just seven Eredivisie outings for 205 minutes last season – but his familiarity with the English game outweighs the lack of recent minutes.
Who else is interested?
TEAMtalk reports that Liverpool, Everton, Newcastle United and Sunderland have also shown interest, but Tomiyasu has expressed a desire to stay in London, where he lived after leaving Arsenal in 2025. Palace’s recent Europa League triumph and upcoming Europa League campaign add appeal, especially as the club prepares for its next fixture away at Bournemouth on 2027‑02‑20, where they sit sixth in the table.
How does this fit Palace’s transfer strategy?
With Maxence Lacroix on the verge of a Chelsea move, Palace needs a ready‑made Premier League defender. The club has already agreed personal terms with Raphael Le Guen, a 19‑year‑old Stade Brest defender, but his lack of top‑flight experience means Tomiyasu could make an immediate impact. Signing a player familiar with the league’s pace helps Palace aim to improve on their 41 goals scored and 51 conceded record from the previous season, narrowing the -10 goal‑difference gap.
What’s next for the Eagles?
If Palace secures Tomiyasu, the defender could join training ahead of the Europa League qualifiers, providing depth and competition for the full‑back spots. The free‑transfer nature of the deal reduces financial risk, allowing the club to allocate resources elsewhere, perhaps strengthening the midfield to support a push for a higher league finish. Fans will be watching closely as negotiations progress, hoping the move materialises before the summer window closes.
